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HISrORiCfil
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;
C.-
FRANCES ALEXANDER BUTTERWORTH
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RECORDS OF A FAMILY
or THE
House of Alexander
From 1640 to 1909
BY '
Frances Alexander Butterworth
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 1909
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Copyright June. 9, i909. by
Frances Alexander Butterwortk
5517 Cornell Ave.
Chicago, III.
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Xnv.no. 2,10
C3
7/
]^ ^
In memory of my father
WILLIAM RANKIN ALEXANDER
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WILLIAM RANKIN ALEXANDER
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER I.
The name Alexander, its Origin and History
Early Colonists.
CHAPTER IL
Records and Register of Births at Princess
Anne, Somerset Co., Maryland. The first Pres-
byterian Church in America at Snow Hill, Mary-
land. Rev. Francis Makemie. Will of William
Alexander.
CHAPTER III.
Samuel Alexander and his descendants. The
Broad Creek Presbyterian Church in Cecil Co.,
Md. Will of Samuel Alexander. Maryland, from
1700 to 1730, Bohemia Manor.
Will of James Foster, father of Susannah
Foster, Martin Alexander's wife.
Will of Martin Alexander, son and heir-at-law
of Samuel Alexander and father of David Alex-
ander.
The Eastern Shore.
Boundaries of lands and depositions of the
Brevards, Van Bibbers, Caldwells, Bayards, Boul-
dins, Hermans, etc. Mark Alexander of Balti-
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CHAPER IV
1779 David Alexander removes to Mecklenberg
Co., North Carolina. Sale of plantations, deeds
and wills.
CHAPTER V
Removal of David Alexander Jr. to Ken-
tucky in 1794. Deeds and records from the Court ♦
Registers at Charlotte, Mecklenberg Co., N. C.
CHAPTER VI
1796, death of David Alexander Sr. His will
and deeds to sale of Plantations. The famous
Declaration of Independence, of 1775 at Char-
lotte, N. C. A curious law suit.
CHAPTER VII
David Alexander's descendants in Alabama
and Tennessee. Letter from Daniel Alexander of
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, written in 1833 to his
nephew, David Alexander of Woodford Co., Ky.
CHAPTER VIII i
David Alexander Jr. and his descendants.
Letter from Col. Archibald Cathey of Mecklen-
berg Co. to David Alexander, of Montgomery
Co., Ky. written in 1807.
Discharge papers of David Alexander from
Gov. Shelby's Kentucky mounted volunteers, war
of 1812.
William Rankin Alexander and his descend-
ants. A contemporary of Henry Clay and
"confrere" of Abraham Lincoln. His wife a not-
ed beauty of Lexington, Kentucky.
Additional wills of Alexander's from the rec-
ords at Elkton, Cecil Co., Md., and Charlotte,
Mecklenberg Co., N. C.
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ILLUSTRATIONS
Page
Frances Alexander Butterworth, Frontispiece
William Rankin Alexander 1
Coat of Arms, Crest and Motto of the
Alexanders of Sterling 4
Old Manor House at Pcincess Annex Som-
erset Co. Maryland, Period, 1700 6
Prof. Thomas Crowder Chamberlin, head
of the Geological Dept, University of
Chicago 20
Virginia Butterworth and Marie Louise
Marks, in the gowns worn by their
grandmother, period of 1835 32
Residence of Theodore Burterworth 44
Residence of Charles Alexander 71
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CHAPTER I.
THE NAME ALEXANDER ITS ORIGIN
AND HISTORY. EARLY COLONISTS.
TH E name of Alexander has filled a largo
and conspicuous place in the history of
the world, and touched national events
at many points. It is a synonym for devoted
patriotism, for fidelity to religion, and the Scot-
tish love of Clan.
For more than 2,000 years the name Alexander
has been found among all civilized nations.
Few names, indeed, have been so long used both
as a Christian name and a surname. It is of
Grecian origin, and means "helper of mankind."
In explanation of this wide dissemination of
the name is the following story:
Alexander the Great, before setting out on
his career of conquest in the East, sent word to
the Jews to erect a monument in his honor.
Some years later, on returning, he was as-
tonished and angered to find that no monument
had been raised to him by these people. He
summoned the high priest, who came with
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2 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
many children, in his train. The king asked,
sternly, if his order had been forgotten. "O
king," replied the high priest, "it is contrary
to our religion to make an imaga or a statue.
But behold!" Turning, he asked a boy who
stood near, * 'What is your name ?" * 'Alexander, ' '
replied the boy. Other boys on being asked
their names replied in turn, ' 'Alexander. ' ' "You
see, O king," exclaimed the high priest at last,
"we have fulfilled your command by naming
every son of our race Alexander who has been
born since your command was given. That
name will go down from generation to gener-
ation and such living monuments will be far
more enduring than a monument of stone."
The high priest spoke truly. If Alexander
has no such significant memorials as has Caesar
in the titles "kaiser" and "czar," his is still a
favorite name for princess as well as for com-
mon folk of many nations, from the Persian
Iskander to the Scottish Saunders.
Saints, bishops, eight popes, kings of Scotland
and Poland and emperors of Russia have borne
the name, and made it glorious or the reverse.
It was the first Pope to bear the name who
issued the bull dividing the New World of North
America between Spain and Portugal,.
The heroine of the name is Helen Alexander.
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 3
History tells of her courage and devotion during
the persecution bf the Scotch Covenanters in
the seventeenth century, and her name is to-day
a household word in every West of Scotland
home.
One of the Scottish ancestors was Alexander
McDonald, son of Donald, Lord of the Isles.
He had two sons who assumed the Christian
name of their father as a surname, and started
one branch of the Alexander family on theway
to fame and fortune. The Donalds trace back
to Somerled, through a somewhat misty High-
land genealogy.
William Alexander Earl, of St'rling. from
whom many of the Alexanders in America
claim descent, was Secretary of State for Scot-
land in 1626. He ruled for the king with single
eyed patriotism. His writings were famed in
their day. His most important work was the
assistance he rendered James I. in the metrical
version of the Psalms.
James Alexander, the descendant of Lord
Stirling was obliged to leave Great Britain on
account of active partisanship with the Pre-
tender. He was colonial secretary of New York
and among the staunchest of pre-revolutionary
friends of civil liberty. His son William was
the Lord Stirling of revolutionary fame. The
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4 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
family flourished in Virginia, and where Wheel-
ing, W. Va., now stands, William Alexander
owned two hundred acres of land which he
received in exchange for a horse, so valuable
was a horse and so cheap city lots.
A great many genealogies of the various
branches of Alexanders who emigrated to
America in the early history of this country
have been written.
A historical sketch and genealogical record of
a family of colonists, a branch of the numerous
families of Alexanders that has not been written
will be of interest to the descendants of David
Alexander, whose birthplace was the eastern
shore of Maryland.
Kis ancestors must have come directly from
Scotland with the English Colonists who landed
at Jamestown about 1640, or perhaps earlier,
settling on lands patented to them and pur-
chased in Virginia. The plantations occupied by
the Colonists were scattered along the shores
of the Chesapeake Bay, across the narrow strip
of land that separates the bay from the ocean,
along the banks of the rivers and creeks that
fall into that noble bay and on their tributary
streams to the head of tide-water.
The first tobacco plant was taken to England
in L586. The demand for it was soon estab-
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MOTTO— "PER MARE ^ER TERRAS"
"By Land and by Sea,"
Crest, A bear sejant, erect. Arms, quarterly 1st and .4th
per pale Argent, Sa A chevron and in base a crescent, all
counter-changed, 2nd and 3rd or, a Lymphad, Sa. Sails furled,
and flags flying, between three cross crosslets, fitchee gu.
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 5
lished. The early Colonists were at once ab-
sorbed in its cultivation. The neighborhood of
navigable waters was esteemed necessary to
the successful operations of the planters and
the most fertile portions of the land between
the rivers, were occupied by them. As the
early inhabitants of Maryland and Virginia
were all planters, they were scattered over
the country as suited their convenience and
were fed by their plantations and the abundance
of the sea. There were no large towns in Vir-
ginia at this period, nor any number of small
ones, the planters increasing rapidly in wealth
and extending their plantations.
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CHAPTER IL
RECORDS AND REGISTERS OF BIRTHS
AT PRINCESS ANNE, SOMMERSET
COUNTY, MARYLAND.
In a history of Maryland we find that as
early as 1665 some Colonists named Alexander
began to purchase lands in the most southern
county of the eastern shore. The court reports
at Princesse Anne, county seat of Somerset
County, record deeds to William Alexander of
a tract of land of- 300 acres called Daintry, on
the south side of the Wicomoco River, and to
a plantation called Rapho of 300 acres.
Hunting Quarter, at the head of Menoken
was bought by WilUam Alexander from Cor-
nelius Anderson in 1668. Trouble plantation
was sold to William Alexander by Thomas
Strawbridge in 1698.
Two tracts called Golden Quarter and Rysley
were sold to Henry Alexander by George Taylor
and Comfort his wife, for ye consideration of
tobacco paid by Francis Alexander. Samuel
Alexander, acting for Griffith Jones of North
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY . 7
Carolina, sold to William Alexander of Somer-
set County in 1723 a part of Walsy's Chance.
At St. Marys on Chesapeake Bay 100 acres for
50 pounds, taken from Walsy's Chance and
Winsor.
These Alexanders formed a considerable ele-
ment of the first three Presbyterian churches
organized in America by the Rev. Francis
Makemie towards the close of that century, 1684.
The Snow Hill Presbyterian Church, Rehobeth,
at Pocomoke, and Head of Menoken, Wicomoco.
These places were settled by English Episco-
palians and Scotch and Irish Presb3rterians.
Generations have uttered the praises of Francis
Makemie, who organized the first Presbyterian
church in America at Snow Hill. Parents in
the neighborhood gave his name to their chil-
dren until it became a common one. Francis
Alexander was, no doubt, named for Francis
Makemie, the name Francis descending through
the various generations to the present time,
the writer of this record bearing the name with
the feminine terminal — "ces" instead of **cis.*'
William Alexander is mentioned on the
records at Princesse Anne as one of the trustees
of the Menoken Presbyterian Church.
The records of the courthouse at Princess
Anne, Somerset County, Maryland, contain the
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8 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
following register of births of William Alexan-
der's descendants and his son William's will.
Abigail Alexander, daughter of Andrew Alex-
ander, and born of his wife the 15th day of Sep-
tember, 1()77. Ehas Alexander, son of Andrew
Alexander, born 1679.
James, son of Samuel Alexander, and born of
Mary, his wife, 1st day of January, 1()85, in
Annamessex. Martin Alexander, son of Samuel
Alexander, and born of Mary, his wife, 18th of
March, 1687 in Annamessix. Sarah, daughter
of Samuel Alexander, and Mary his wife, born
August 28th, at Pocomoke. 1690 Francis, son of
Samuel Alexander and Mary, his wife, born
March, 1693, at Annamessix. Mary, daughter
of Samuel and Mary Alexander, born 1695 at
Pocomoke. Andrew Alexander, son of Samuel
and Mary, his wife, born 1697. Samuel Alex-
ander, son of Samuel and Mary, his wife, born
in 1699 at Pocomoke.
Esther, daughter of John Alexander and
Barbara, his wife, born in 1693.
In the name of God, Amen, the seventh day of March,
in the year of our Lord God, 1732, I, Wm. Alexander,
of Somerset County, and Province of Maryland, planter,
being sick and weak in body but of perfect mir.d and
memory, thanks be given unto God therefor, calling
unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that
it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 9
ordain this my last willand testament, that is to ^ay,
principally and hrst of all 1 give and recommend my
soul unto tiie hands of God that gave it, and my body
to tne eartn to be decently buried in a Christian manner
at ye discretion of my executors, nothing doubting
but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same
again by ye Mighty Power of God and as touching such
estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in
this life I give and bequeathe the same in m^anner
and form following (viz.) Imprimis my will is that
after my just debts are paid that my well beloved wife
Catherine A., have therefor use and occupation of my
dwelling plantation, with all liberties thereunto be-
longing during her natural life with one full third of
all my personel estate to be at her full disposal. I then
give and bequeathe unto my son, Samuel A., his heirs
and assigns forever the land and plantation whereon
he now lives, being part of two patents that contain
300 acres, lying on the east and west sides of Mr.
Thomas Gillius' Mill Branch, being the less on the
east side of the said branch containing 150 acres, to
him the said Samuel as aforesaid.
To my sons, James, 150 acres, Moses A., 200 acres,
being the tract where my father, William A. did live
and where my said son Moses did live. To my youngest
son, Liston, the land called Trouble, 250 acres, also
90 acres, part of two tracts that I bought of Griffith
Jones
Witnesses John Caldwell,
Jos. Caldwell.
Moses A. had two daughters, Mary and Elizabeth.
William A., father of Moses gave to Mary and Agnes,
daughters, in 2nd will and does not give to Samuel.
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10 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
Second will probated July 19, 1735.
First will probated June 18, 1735.
Liston died 1738. James died 1735.
The records of Princesse Anne of Snow Hill
and Wicomico County, Maryland, show that
these Alexanders increased in numbers and
wealth for about a hundred years, when they
began to migrate and seek new homes and it is
doubtful if any of their descendants could be
found in this region to-day.
The following records of the purchase and
patents to lands by this family of Alexanders
can be found in the land Commissioner's office
at Annapolis, Maryland.
Alexandria 130 acres lying in Cecil Co., Maryland
surveyed for Samuel Alexander and John Holtham the
19th of January , 1720. Patented to his sons Martin
and Francis Alexander, 4th of November, 1732.
Alexander's Lot, 190 acres, lying in Cecil Co., sur-
veyed for Mark Alexander, son of Francis, 7th of
March, 1769. Patented to him 7th of Oct., 1769.
Bullens Range, 129 acres in Cecil Co., patented to
Samuel Alexander, 8th of October, 1723. Patented to
Andrew Alexander, 1740, 24th of June.
Hispaniola, 868 acres lying in Cecil Co., surveyed
for William Richardson 1920. Patented to him 1722,
sold to Samuel Alexander, 1724.
Sligo 200 acres lying in Cecil Co., surveyed for
Samuel Alexander, 8th of May, 1713. Patented to
him the 10th of December, 1714.
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 11
I hereby assign to Samuel Alexander a tract of land
200 acres of warrant called Sligo for 100 acres granted
me 30th of March, 1713. Witness my hand and seal
8th day of May, 1713.
Matthias Van Bibber.
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CHAPTER III.
SAMUEL ALEXANDER AND HIS
DESCENDANTS.
Samuel Alexander, true to the religion of his
forefathers, assisted in establishing the first
Presbyterian church in Cecil County, In 1723
Richard Thompson made over to Samuel Alex-
ander and Peter Bouchelle, for 21 years an acre
of land for the use of the Presbyterian congrega-
tion to erect a meeting house, for the annual rental
of one ear of Idian corn, if lawfullly demanded,
June 13th, 1723.
Witnesses William Foster.
Jacob Vandegraff.
Lord Commissioners of Justice,
Samuel Alexander.
James Alexander.
The first Elders of the church were :
Samuel Alexander.
Peter Bouchelle.
John Brevard.
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The first pastor of the church was Alexander
Hutchinson, a Scotch Presbyterian minister
who was installed in 1723. This church was
called the Broad Creek Presb5rterian Church.
Alexander Hutchinson was a Licentiate from
Scotland. Immediately preceding his ordina-
tion to the gospel ministry by the Presbytery,
then and there in session to install him pastor
of the church, and first, before the solemn service,
the clerk of the body made proclamation three
times, at the door of the sanctuary, that if any
persons had anything to object, against or-
daining the candidate, they should make it
known to the Presbytery new, setting. No
objection being offered, the said Mr. Hutchin-
son was solemnly set apart to the work of the
ministry by fasting and the imposition of the
hands of the Presbytery.
This Broad Creek Presbyterian Church was
near the present site of Chesapeake City, at the
head of the Chesapeake and Deleware Canal.
Bethel Church, erected later is said to occupy
the same site as the old Broad Creek Church.
A very old cemetery adjoins the church, in
which no doubt, Samuel Alexander and many
of his descendants were buried, but almost two
centuries have left no trace of the headstones
that marked their graves. A great many
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14 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
old moss covered stones remain but the in-
scriptions are entirely obliterated. In a newer
portion of this old graveyard are the graves of
many distinguished persons — the Bayards, Gov-
ernor Clayton, etc.
Deed to lands given by Samuel Alexander to
his son Martin Alexander.
To all Christian people to whom these presents
shall come, Samuel Alexander sends the greeting.
Know ye that the said Samuel Alexander, doth
revise, release and quit claim forever to Martin Alex-
ander, his heirs and assigns, all that land lying at the
north end of a tract of land called Sligo, beginning at
a white oak marked with twelve notches standing
on the bank of Silver Run within four or five rods of
Galloway's spring, thence to Galloway's two last
dwelling houses that stand upon the said Sligo, thence
to a line still the same course until it intersects a tract
called Alexandria to a leainng growing black oak and
an old dead black oak standing close together and by
the county roadside where the said Martin Alexander
his foot path leaves a tract of land called Bullen's
Range and all the lands contained in the above two
tracts with the appurtenances thereon or thereto, be-
longing, the said lands lying and being in Cecil Co . ,
In testimony whereof the said Samuel set his hand and
seal this twenty ;first day of September, anno domina
1723.
Samuel Alexander.
Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Francis
Alexander and Samuel Alexander, Junior.
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 15
In 1724 Samuel Alexander gave to his son
Francis a part of Sligo and Alexandria.
Witnesses to deed John Alexander.
Samuel Alexander.
WILL OF SAMUEL ALEXANDER
Recorded in the Court House at Elkton, Cecil Co.
Maryland.
In the name of God Amen. The 29th day of March,
1727, I Samuel Alexander, of Cecil County in Mary-
land, being in health of body an4.of sound and perfect
memory (Praise be given to God for the same) and
knowing the uncertainty of this life on earth and
being desirous to settle things in order do make this,
my last will and testament in manner and form follow-
ing: That is first and principally I commend my
soul to God my Creator, hoping that I shall receive
full pardon and remission of all my sins and be saved
by the precious death and merits of my blessed Saviour
and Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, and my body to
the earth, whence it was taken, believing and hoping
for a glorious resurrection at the last day. And touch-
ing such worldly estate as it hath pleased the Lord
to bestow upon me, my will is that it shall be employed
and bestowed as follows:
I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife,
Mary Alexander, my house and plantation whereon I
now reside, called "Sligo" during her natural life,
and after her death I bequeath the said plantation to
my son-in-law, Thos. Craig, and my daughter Mary,
his wife — to them and theirs forever, they with what
assistance I and my said wife can give them paying
my present debts.
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16 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
I give unto my son-in-law the crop of wheat that is
now upon the ground toward the payment of my debts
and my will is that my son-in-law shall have the use
and occupation of all the ground cleared and to be
cleared and one of the houses that is now built upon
this plantation from this day forward except so much
as will maintain me and my wife during our natural
lives.
I bequeath unto my loving wife all my personal
estate and also make and constitute her my sole
executrix of this, my last will and testament as witness
my hand and seal the day and year above written.
Sam Alexander Seal
Witnesses present, Francis Alexander.
Martin Alexander.
James, oldest son of Samuel and Mary Alex-
ander, born in 1685 at Pocomoke, Somerset
County, Maryland, no record.
Martin Alexander, son of Samuel and Mary
Alexander, born 1687, at Annamessix, Somerset
County, Maryland, removed with his father
Samuel to Cecil County, Maryland in 1723. He
became the owner of numerous plantations and
lands, purchased, patented to him by Lord
Baltimore and given him by his father, Samuel.
These lands were known and recorded by the
various names of Hispaniola, Alexandria, Alex-
ander's Lot, Bullen's Range, Warwick, Knowl-
wood, Ballenstynes Forest or Park, Francina,
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 17
or the Three Sisters; Glasgow and Sligo. Other
lands were recorded as Triangle, Francis Marshes,
Boulden's Nest, CarrolFs Delight — ^all belonging
to sons and grandsons of Samuel Alexander.
These lands adjoined and were part of the
historic Territory of Bohemia Manor, one of the
most interesting manors in America, where two
hvmdred years ago, lordly opulence, titled fam-
ihes, and stately mansions might have been seen,
and where to-day this beautiful coimtry with
its romantic history is as picturesque and lovely
as when Augustine Herman, the Lord of the
Manor gazed upon his noble domain of 20,000
acres, granted him by Lord Baltimore for his
work in preparing maps of this coimtry.
The Bohemia and Elk rivers enter Deleware
Bay at this point and with the wooded hills and
valleys, the glint of the sunshine among the
lengthened shadows of the trees that bend lov-
ingly above the enchanted waters of these mystic
streams, they form a scene of ravishing beauty.
The memories that haunt these shadowed vales
and sunlit slopes, the gay Lords and Ladies
that hawked and hvmted and fished in the
primeval forests and the noble streams; the
charm of the flowing waters, the gay lilting of
the wooded songsters, the blue skies, the soft
air heavy with the perfume of the scented woods.
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18 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
Small wonder that our forefathers chose to
erect an ancestral home and rest awhile from
their wanderings in this enchanted paradise.
The history of this period— 1700 to 1730-40
contains many allusions to hawking, fishing,
fowling, wild cattle and horses. The hawking,
hunting and fishing privileges, are always men-
tioned in the deeds to lands of this period. At
this time the stock of the early colonists and
planters was allowed to run wild in the forests
and after the lapse of years became plentiful.
The country was sparsely settled, and but little
of it under cultivation — much of it covered with
its original growth of timber, that afforded
shelter for these animals. They increased very
fast and it was customary for the owners of the
stock to mark it by making slits, notches or
holes in one or both of the animal's ears, the
marks registered or recorded in the county.
John Churchman, a planter, writes of the
trouble experienced from wild horses enticing
the colt away from the mare he rode. In 1715
an act passed by the Legislature appointed an
officer who was called a ranger to capture this
wild stock.
The great staples of importation wete rum
and negroes, those of exportation, skins of
animals and tobacco. The latter was the great
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 19
staple gf the colony, was largely cultivated and
yielded a large return to the planters. Wheat
was also cultivated. The planters shipped
their tobacco directly to England and were
supplied with slaves by the traders.
From 1700 to 1730 Bohemia Manor, and ad-
joining plantations, and manors exceeded all
other portions of the country in wealth and
importance.
An attempt to introduce the manor system
of England in this vicinity of which Bohemia
Manor was the center was made and prevailed
for a time.
The plantations with manor houses sold at
this time were recorded in the deeds as Messuage
Plantations, or plantations having a manor
house. As early ,as 1636, says the historian
Fiske, Lord Baltimore issued instructions that
every grant or owner of 2,000 acres should be
erected into a manor. The manor, was the
land on which the lord and his tenants lived.
These manors were scattered all over tide- water
Maryland. In 1767, 27 manors in Maryland
were sold, embracing 100,000 acres. Many of
the manor houses were built of brick brought
from England but few have withstood the
ravages of time. The brick house built by
Ephraim Augustine Herman, the founder of
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20 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
Bohemia Manor was destroyed by fire, with its
contents, including some valuable paintings.
Hispaniola, the plantation devised by Samuel
to Martin Alexander is described as a Messuage
Plantation, that is, with a manor house. • The
deed to Hispaniola also mentions the hawking,
fowling, fishing and hunting privileges, with all
edifices, tenant houses, improvements, heredi-
taments, orchards, meadows, ways, waters,
water courses, rents, issues, rights, reversions,
forests, etc.
Martin Alexander married Susannah Foster,
daughter of James Foster, who owned a
plantation called Jones Green Springs, which
adjoined Knowlwood, a large plantation ex-
changed many times among the Alexanders —
Martin and his sons. Susannah, wife of Martin
was a niece of the Prices and Bouldins, whose
plantations adjoined Martin Alexander's and
many of whose descendants are still living in
Cecil County on these same lands.
WILL OF JAMES FOSTER, FATHER OF
SUSANNAH FOSTER, MARTIN ALEXANDER'S
WIFE.
In the name of God, Amen. This 12th day of April
1740, I, James Foster, being sick and weak of body,
though in perfect mind and memory, and calling to
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THOMAS CROWDER CHAMBERLIN
Page 71
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 21
mind that it is appointed for all men once to die, do
make and appoint this to be my last will and testament :
First I recommend my soul mito the hands of Al-
mighty God, who gave it, and next I commit my body
to the earth, from whence it was taken, to be buried
according to the discretion of my executrix; and as for
such worldly goods as God hath been pleased to endow
me with, I dispose of in manner and form following:
And first I will that all my just debts be paid, I do
also appoint my beloved wife Elizabeth to be sole ex-
ecutrix of this my last will and testament.
I give unto my wife this plantation that is to say
the use and profits thereof until my son James shall
arrive at the age of twenty-one years and then to him,
his heirs and assigns forever.
2nd. I give and bequeath unto my daughtter Mary
five shillings.
3rdly. I give unto my two daughters Susannah and
Rebeccah their equal portion according to law. That
is in consideration that my wife do keep and educate
my children that I do allow her the use of plan-
tation.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and
seal the day and year first above written.
James Foster
In the presence of us
Thos. Cowan.
Martin Alexander.
James Price.
Cecil County, May 10, 1740.
Jas. Price and Martin Alexander, two of the fore-
going will, being duly and solemnly sworn on the Holy
Evangels of Almighty God deposed and say that they
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22 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
saw the Testator, Jas. Foster, sign the foregoing will
and heard him publish and declare the same to l?e his
last will and testament, and that the time of his so
doing he was to the best of their appr,ehension of sound
and disposing mind and memory, and that they and
Thos. Cowan, the other witnesses subscribed their re-
spective names as witnesses to the said will in the
presence of the testator and at his request.
Sworn before John Thompson.
Examined by David Smith, Reg.
WILL OF MARTIN ALEXANDER, SON AND
HEIR-AT-LAW OF SAMUEL ALEXANDER
AND FATHER OF DAVID ALEXANDER.
In the name of God, Amen. This 5th day of March,
1750, I, Martin Alexander, being in perfect mind and
memory, do make and appoint this to be my last will
and testament. I do appoint my beloved wife, Sus-
annah, to be sole executrix of this last will and testa-
ment. I will that all my just debts be paid.
I give and bequeath unto my son, David, the one-
half of the plantation where I now dwell during his
mother's life, but not allowing him to sell or rent it
during her life, and after her death the whole to him,
his heirs and assigns forever, provided that he pay or
secure unto my son, Amos, twenty pounds when he
shall arrive at the age of twenty-one years.
I give and bequeath unto my son, Moses, that land
that lies in New Castle County, provided that he secure
unto my son, Aaron, fifteen pounds when he shall ar-
rive at the age of twenty-one years.
I give and bequeath to my son, Eli, the land which I
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 23
purchased of Thomas Stratton, to him, his heirs and
assigns forever, provided that he secure unto my son,
Amos, the sum of fifteen pounds when he shall arrive
at the age of twenty-one years.
I do further will, that if any of my above named
sons, David, Moses, or Eli, shall refuse to pay the above
named legacies, that any of my other three sons, James
Aaron, or Amos, so refused, shall come in for one-half
of the land left to him that so refused him his legacy to
pay.
I do further will, if any of my three eldest sons shall
die issueless and intestate and without assigiiors that
James shall succeed David, Aaron shall succeed Moses,
and Amos shall succeed Eli in the above said lands.
I give and bequeath to my daughter, Rebecca, the
feather bed called her bed, together with a coverlit
and blanket, bolster and pillows, and four ewes and
lambs.
I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Sarah, the
bed called David's bed, with a blanket, coverlit,
bolster and pillows within these three years or sooner
if her mother pleases. I
I give and bequeath each of my sons, David, Moses,
Eli, James, Aaron, Amos, and Josiah, one shilling a
piece of my personel estate.
I give and bequeath to my abovesaid wife all the
residue of my personal estate provided that upon her
second marriage, she give security to the court or
commissary, to pay to my son, Josiah, thirty pounds
when he shall come of age, or, if she refuses to give
s-ich security, to pay him half what two honest men
shall value the said residue to be worth, after my
decease, to keep my son, Josiah, from being defrauded
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24 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
by her then husband, and I do further will that the
values of such residues annexed to this will, and
forthwith put upon record, but no administration be-
cause she will have neither debts nor legacies to pay
or answer till she marry again.
I will that in case my son, David's child or children
should die under age, that my son, James, should still
have this plantation.
I will that not above six acres of this plantation be
cleared during my wife's life.
In witness whereof, I have set my hand and seal
hereunto this 10th day of March, 1750. Signed,
sealed, pronounced, and delivered in the presence of
us. Before singing and sealing, I give and bequeath
unto my sister, Mary Lowry, all that part of a tract of
land called Alexandria which my father received to
himself, during her life, and afterwards to her six
daughters, to them, their heirs, and assigns forever.
Martin Alexander.
John Crozier, Richard Bouldin, Mary A. Cooign,
Andrew Alexander.
We, the undernamed persons, have valued the per-
sonel estate of the within Martin Alexander, deceased,
as the will directs and upon the same we find the amount
of the whole to be 117 pounds, 10 shillings, 6 pence.
Given under our hands and seals this day of August,
1751. Present — Moses Alexander.
Thomas Nash
James Bouldin
Cecil County, August l-16th, 1751.
Andrew Alexander, John Crozier, and Richard
Bouldin, three of the subscribers* witnesses to the
foregoing will, being duly and solemnly sworn the
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 25
Holy Evangels of Almighty God depose and say that
they saw the Testator, Martin Alexander, sign the
within will, and heard him publish* and declare the
same to be his last will and testament, and at the time
of so doing, he was to the best of their belief and appre-
hension, of sound disposing mind and memory, and
that they subscribed their respective names as wit-
nesses to the said will in the presence of the said Tes-
tator, and at his request which oath was taken by
the said witnesses in the prsence of David Alexander,
heir at law, which said David Alexander did not
object to the Probate of the said will of demise.
M. Carle, Deputy Com. of ye, Cecil County.
Examined by David Smith, Registrar.
Book of Wills, No. 2, Page 106.
Elkton, Cecil County, Maryland.
Sarah Alexander, daughter of Samuel and
Mary Alexander, no record, bom 1690.
Samuel, Jimior, son of Samuel and Mary
Alexander, removed with his father to Cecil
County in 1723, purchased land near his father.
No record of his descendants.
Mary, daughter of Samuel and Mary Alex-
ander, bom 1693, married Thomas Craig of
Bohemia Manor, Upon his death she married a
Mr. Lowry. She left numerous descendants —
both Craigs, and Lowrys.
Andrew Alexander, son of Samuel and Mary
Alexander, was an attorney at law and largely
interested in buying and selling lands.
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The purchase of Warwick and Triangle from
John Holtham by Andrew Alexander for twenty
pounds and five hundred pounds of tobacco, is
recorded at Elkton, Cecil County.
The sale of a portion of BuUen's Range,
granted Andrew Alexander by his Lordship the
Lord Proprietor in 1740 to Robert Patton is
recorded at Elkton. Francis Key, Clerk.
Francis Key was the father of the Francis
Key, author of the "Star Spangled Banner."
John McKnitt sold to Andrew Alexandew
June 14th, 1745, a tract of land called Glasgow,
patented to John McKnitt's grandfather, this
being the boundary of a tract of land called
Hispaniola, belonging" to Samuel Alexander.
Andrew*s Chance was another tract of
land bought by Andrew. Andrew's wife, Jean,
was probably a daughter of John McKnitt.
Andrew and Isaac Alexander, his son, sold to
George Ford, Boulden's Rest, on Bohemia Back
Creek.
Hispaniola was at the head of Long Creek
Bohemia. In a deed to John McKnitt of a por-
tion of Hispaniola, by Samuel Alexander, the
present improvements of Samuel Alexander are
left out, but include the said John McKnitt's
improvements.
Blankinstyne Park, "escheated to the Crown,"
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 27
was granted to Andrew Alexander, given by
him to Isaac, his son, and Thomas Boulden.
Francis Alexander, Son of Samuel and Mary
Alexander, was born at Pocomoke, Somerset
County, Maryland, March, 1693. In the his-
torical sketches of Maryland, he is mentioned as
buying lands called Sligo and Alexandria, with
his father Samuel, and brother Andrew in the
southern part of Cecil County, Maryland.
Alexjandria, surveyed for Samuel Alexander
in 1720, was patented to Martin and Francis
Alexander, 1732.
Alexander's Lot, surveyed for Mark Alex-
ander in October, 1769, was patented to him
7th of March, 1769.
Mark Alexander was the son of Francis Alex-
ander.
Frequent mention is made of Francis in the
purchase and sale of lands in the Cecil County
records, as follows:
Francis Alexander of Pennhaden Hundred, County
of Newcastle, Delaware, planter, bought of Thomas
Ogle a tract of land called Francina, willed by Augus-
tine Herman to his daughter, Francine, part of the
plantation called, Three Bohemia Sisters, for 1,000
pounds.
Francis was a favorite name with the Alex-
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28 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
anders, as it occurs frequently in different gener-
ations and is still used at the present time. I
have made mention of this before.
A will of Francis Alexander is recorded in the
Newcastle Cotmty records in 1717. He leaves
to his wife, Mary Steele, and sons Joseph and
John, and Francis, 316 acres and other lands.
The witnesses were Samuel Alexander, M.
Wright and James Miller.
The name Francis Alexander also occurs fre-
quently in depositions of the boundaries of these
various lands as well as many other names well
known in the history of the "Eastern Shore" in
colonial times. The Brevards, Van Bibbers,
Caldwells, or Colwells, Bayards, Craigs, Prices,
Bouldens, Bouchelles, Hermans and many others
The depositions in themselves are interesting
and unique. I reproduce several.
Francis Alexander, aged 62 or thereabouts, deposed
that 36 or 37 years ago he was about purchasing from
his uncle, Francis Alexander, a part of a tract of land
called Alexandria and Sligo. That his uncle took him
to a black oak tree and from thence along a line, now
in possession of Thomas Brevard, until he came to the
plantation owned by James Foster, called Jones Green
Springs, to a line that divided his land from Thomas
Craig until it came to the original line near Purgatory
Swamp, the land was purchased by Samuel Adair from
his uncle, Francis. Signed, Francis Alexander.
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Richard Bouldin Ford, Richard Bouldin, Eli Alex-
ander, Jeremiah Taylor, and Thos^ Richardson ask
for the boundaries of Knowlwood, containing 1,000
acres, etc.
Caleb Alexander, aged 35, said about 14 years ago>
I bought Knowlwood from John Hall. It lies bfetw^en
Richard Bouldin's land and Benj. Pierce's land and
begins on the east side of Elk River at the naouth of
Shallops Cave on a line with Vulcan's Rest.
Thomas Caldwell, gentleman of Fairfax Co., Colony
of Virginia^ bought 200 acres called Knowlwood for
the sum of 200 poimds from Henry Pearcc 1730. This
land was on the east side of Elk River and was part
of Knowlwood bought by Caleb Alexander from John
Hall.
Thomas Brevard, aged 53, Benjamin Brevard, 46,
and Orville Biddle aged 45 deposed that for 30 odd
years there was a lane between Francis Alexander's
and Robert Lowry's land at the "head of Elk."
Deposition of Alexander Scott, aged 49, said, 25
3^ars ago he was informed by Andrew Alexander that
Blankenstine's Park, which he had purchased from
Jacob Van Bibber, began at the head of Elk River in
Bohemia and ran on down to Chop tank road 1760.
Harmon's Creek commenced at Half Pone.
Josiah Alexander aged 20 years, said, *• I came along
with father, Eli Alexander and Robert Armstrong,
surveyor of Knowlwood, and that Knowlwood began
at Col. Col well's land on the east side of Elk.
In 1734 sale of lands from Richard Bouldin, to
Alexander Bouldin, deeds signed by Martin and Paul
Alexander and Thomas Bouldin.
Wm Price, uncle to Martin Alexander's, wife Susan-
nah, wills her part of Three Bohemia Sisters.
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Orphans Craig's lands, and plantations in court pro-
ceedings. Andrew Wallace and Richard Bouldin guar-
dians. Children of Mary Alexander Craig, who after-
ward married Lowry,
William Foster, father of James Foster, father of
Susannah, Martin Alexander's wife.
Mark Alexander, son of Francis Alexander,
is well known in the history of the Revolution.
He was one of the wealthiest merchants of Balti-
more at this time. He built the first large ware
houses, and erected extensive buildings in 175(>
on Calvert and Baltimore Sts. and a handsome
residence on the southwest corner of Charles and
Saratoga Streets. A large sum of money was
raised by the merchants of Baltimore to reduce
the price of salt, Mark Alexander giving 2,000
pounds and four hogsheads of tobacco.
Between 1756 and 1762 a tax was placed on
all bachelors twenty-five years old and over.
Mark Alexander was one of the victims. He
was at one time Lord Baltimore's agent.
This Historic Tree near Baltimore is well
known in connection with Mark Alexander.
A gigantic chestnut tree, with a girth of about
twenty-five feet, and under whose branches
in 1777 Washington and Lafayette held a coun-
cil of war, and ate their meals, while camping on
the place, when the American army was march-
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 31
ing from Baltimore to Philadelphia! is one of the
many objects of interest shown to visitors on
the McCormick farm, near Baltimore. This is
not a tradition, but a well authenticated fact,
as is abundantly attested by the archives of the
McCormick family.
The first owner of the old Manor was George
Councilman, who obtained possession of the
farm through a grant from Lord Baltimore. The
grant is in possession of Mr. McCormick, who
prizes it as a precious heirloom. Mr. McCormick
became a member of the Councilman family by
marriage with Miss Martha Councilman, daugh-
ter of George Councilman, who recently died at
the advanced age of ninety-six years. The
grant is beautifully engrossed on parchment and
is well preserved and perfectly legible. The
place was named Mark Alexander's Range, in
honor of Mark Alexander, Lord Baltimore's
agent at that time. It is situated on the old
Blue Ball road, a short distance east of Pokomy's
Four mile house, on the Belair road.
Mark Alexander owned portions of the various
tracts of land and plantations that remained in
the Alexander family for nearly a hundred years.
Martin Alexander's children were David, Eli,
Moses, Amos, Aaron, James, Josiah, Rebecca,
and Sarah. No records remain of any save
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32 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
David, Eli, and the descendants of Jamesf.
They no doubt took part in the great struggle
for freedom, but this can never be known as
the records of Cecil County of this period were
taken by the British and destroyed. It was
religious liberty that lured the Scotch and
Scotch-Irish colonists to America and it is
not doubted that they would take up arms in
defence of their homes.
It is of David, the oldest son of Martin and
the heir-at-law that we have to do. The date of
his birth is not positively known but must have
been about . 1724. During the revolutionary
struggle the Marylanders bore a highly distin-
guished part, the Maryland line participating
in almost every battle of the war.
While it is possible David's age might have
prevented any active service, as he was between
fifty and sixty years old, there is no doubt he
gave much aid to the patriots' cause. In a per-
sonal letter from General Alexander Evans, a
descendant of the Alexander's, he writes : **There
were some patriots in the struggle fifty years
old, but very few."
David's age is computed from the birth of
his father, Martin, in 1687, and the time of his
father's death, in 1750, David is mentioned as
being married, with a child or children. Esti-
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VIRGINIA BUTTERWORTH MARIE LOUISE MARKS
In the gowns worn by their grandmother, Mrs. William R. Alexander,
Period of 1835. Page 75
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 3:^
mating his age at twenty-five or twenty-six at
this period he would have been over fifty at the
time of the Revolution.
David as the Heir-at-law inherited the prin-
cipal plantations owned by his father, Martin.
From deeds on record we find he was twice mar-
ried — the first wife named Susannah, as the
following deed shows. Her family name is not
known. The deed is copied from book 9, page
23, Cecil County records at Elkton. I will
omit the voluminous descriptions and location
of lands. It is part of one of the plantations
that changed hands so frequently but always
remained among the Alexanders. The deed is
from Isaac Alexander, a son of Andrew, the latter
David's uncle, to David and Susannah Alexander,
his wife, of Cecil County, for part of Hispaniola
and Bullen's Range, dated the 10th day of June,
1758. It was transferred to Andrew's son Isaac
in 1756. It is described as a "messuage planta-
tion" with a Manor House, and included all "edi-
fices, improvements, meadows, orchards, water
courses, rents, issues, rights, reversions, hunting
fishing and fowling privileges." Acknowledged
before George Catto and John Mackey, com-
missioners. "Received from David Alexander
and Susannah, his wife, the sum of five shillings
sterling money of Great Britain on account of
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34 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
fine due the Lord prorpietor on the alienatioii
of these lands/' Frances Key, Clerk.
At this period Frederick Calvert, the sixth
Lord Baltimore was the Lord proprietor of
Maryland and it was to him the sum of five
shillings was paid upon the sale of lands. This
was some of the same land patented to Samuel
Alexander, David's grandfather, in 1723 by
Charles Calvert, the fifth Lord Baltimore.
Another sale of lands to David patented to
Samuel Alexander in 1723, occurs in 1769, as an
excerpt from this deed. Book 11, page 462,
Cecil County records show, as follows :
** Indenture 23d of October, in the year of our Lord
1769, between Joseph Alexander, of Augusta Co.,
Colony of Virginia, and David Alexander of Cecil Co.,
province of Maryland, two tracts of land called Sligo^
and Alexandria in the province of Maryland. Joseph
Alexander personally appeared before us, the sub-
scribers, two of his Lordship's justices of the peace of
said county and acknowledged the within written
indenture to be his deed.
John Leach Knight.
Joseph Gilpin.
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CHAPTER IV.
1779 DAVID ALEXANDER REMOVES TO
MECHLENBERG CO., N. C. SALE OF
PLANTATIONS, DEEDS AND WILLS.
The fever of migration that started in Vir-
ginia as early as 1750 began to show itself along
the eastern shore of Maryland. Numerous settle-
ments were made in the Carolinas during the
years that followed . Cotton planting was rapidly
becoming a large industry which the introducr
tion of slave labor made possible.
The beautfiul valleys of the Catawba in Mech-^
lenberg County, North Carolina, the broad fields,
the lush grasses, the virgin forests filled with
game, the clear streams teeming with fish, new
homes to carve out in the wilderness, beckoned
the Alexanders from the Manor Homes where
they had grown and flourished in wealth and
numbers for a century. In 1779 we find David
Alexander disposing of the various plantations
of Hispaniola, Knowlwood, Alexandria and
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36 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
others. A deed to Richard Boulding Ford is on
record at Elkton as follows, but not in detail:
"This indenture, made on the 25th day of Sept. in
the year of our Lord, 1779, between David Alexander,
of Cecil Co., the state of Maryland, of one part and
Richard Bouldin Ford, of Cecil Co., of the other part;
witness, that the said David Alexander, for and in con-
sideration of the sum of four thousand and twenty
pounds, to him in hand paid and secured, to be paid by
the said David Alexander doth hereby acknowledge
and assign to him and his heirs forever, all that tract
or parcel of lands and plantations lying and being in
Back Creek Hundred, Cecil Co., belonging to David
Alexander enumerated as follows:
Alexandria, Sligo, Bullen's Range, Hispaniola,
Knowlwood and Alexander's Lot. These lands,
beginning at the corner of Widow Adair's lands and
running thence to a corner stone, on a branch of
Silver Run, then north to Benj. Brevard's land, and
thence south to a cornerstone of Jeremiah Taylor's
land, to the middle of the great road leading from the
head of Elk, to Long Creek Mill, then from the said
road, south to a corner stone, standing on the east side
of the said road, northwest of the gate, standing be-
tween two walnut trees, which now leads from the
said road to the home of the said David Alexander.
All these lands with all rights-, appurtenances, heredi-
taments, premises, rents, issues, and profits, from these
estates. All buildings, all orchards, all hunting,
fowling, and fishing privileges, every part and parcel,
belonging or apertaining to every estate and estates of
rights, titles, claims, and demands whatsoever, all
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 37
deeds, charters, patents, writings, whatsoever con-
cerning the said lands, estates, tenements, heredita-
ments, and premises, I do grant and sell and assign to
Richard Bouldin Ford, his heirs and assigns forever.
In witness whereof I do set my hand and seal on the
day and year written.
Dax-id Alexander. Seal
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of
Thos. Bouldin.
A. Glenn.
Received the day of the date written of the within
named Richard Bouldin Ford, the sum of four thousand
and twenty-three pounds. David Alexander.
"Cecil Co., Be it remembered that Da\4d Alexander
came before us two justices of the peace and acknowl-
edged the within deeds to be his acts, also came before
us Elizabeth, his wife, and being privately out of the
hearing of her said husband, declared that she freely
consented to the deeds of her husband to the estates
sold to Richard, Bouldin Ford and that she acknowl-
edged this willingly and freely without any fear of
threats of ill usage by the said husband.
Thos. Bouldin,
Sam'l Glenn.
••Know all men by these presents that whereas there
is a parcel of land conveyed from the above David
Alexander unto the above named Richard Bouldin
Ford, that was lawfully the property of Elizabeth, his
wife, I do bind myself in the sum of five hundred
pounds should any claim arise from her. Otherwise
the present obligation to be void and of no effect."
David Alexander.
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38 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of
Andrew Crow Gilmer, Jr., and Jeremiah Taylor.
Recorded the 27th day of Sept. 1779.
Another deed from David to his brother Eli
was made on the same date of parts of the same
plantations as follows, not copied in detail
from records:
This indenture, made the 25th of Sept. 1779, be-
tween David Alexander of Cecil Co., in the province
of Maryland, of the one part, and Eli Alexander, his
brother, of the other part, witnesseth that the said
David Alexander in consideration of the sum of fifteen
hundred pounds, to him in hand paid by the aforesaid .
Eli Alexander, doth assign and sell all that portion of
land situated on Back Creek, to-wit Hispaniola, Alex-
andria, BuUens Range, Alexander's Lot, etc., that
may be left without description, and not conveyed to
Richard Bouldin Ford, to his heirs and assigns forever.
David Alexander.
Thomas Bouldin.
Sam'l Glenn.
Indenture of the within named Eli Alexander, the
sum of fifteen hundred pounds paid by him to me.
David Alexander.
Eli Alexander married a daughter of Richard
Bouldin Ford, named Tamizon. Her mother,
a daughter of Richard Bouldin, was also named
Ta-niizon, an old English name derived from
Tho nas.
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 39
Eli Alexander remained in Maryland on these
feame plantations until his death in 1785. Many
references are found in the Cecil County records
of him and several of his numerous family, es-
pecially Richard Ford Alexander and Josiah..
In 1784 Josiah Alexander, aged twenty years,
deposed as to the boundaries of Knowlwood
which contained one thousand acres. He said:
"I came along with father, Eli Alexander, and
Robert Armstrong, the surveyor.*' The bound-
aries follow, but the description would be of
no interests
In 1793 Richard Ford Alexander, Gentleman
of Newcastle County, Delaware, sold to Richard
Harding, Gentleman of Elkton, Cecil County,
a part of Hispaniola, and Bullen's Range, in*
herited from his father, Eli Alexander, for 175
pounds.
Harmon, son of Eli, sold to RichaM BoUldiii
in 1791, part of Knowlwood, inherited from his
father, who bought it from his brother, David
in 1779;
In 1799 Harmon Alexander, son of Eli, re-
moved to Casho County, South Carolina.
Harmon is a family name and is still retained
at the present time. It came from Augustine
Herman (pronounced Harmon) the Lord of
Bohemia Manor, and which adjoined Hispaniola,
K*^cv/!TV3od. etc.
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40 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
A grandson, a great grandson and a Great
great grandson of David Alexander were named
Harmon, the latter a brother of the writer.
The following is the will of Eli Alexander,
recorded at Elkton, Cecil County:
WILL OF ELI ALEXANDER
"I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Tamyzon,
all my lands and improvements, one- third of personal
estate. To Josiah, myson, that tract of land formerly
called Bullen's Range. I give and bequeath to my
son, Harmon Alexander, all the land I bought of Caleb
Alexander, which is part of Knowlwood, together with
four acres that is reserved off of Richard Ford Alex-
ander's tract. I give and bequeath to Richard Ford
Alexander all my land at the Home place. Josiah
shall pay the sum of fifty pounds to my son, Lewis.
Richard Ford should pay unto my sons Eli and Jere-
miah, the sum of fifty pounds and that my son Harmon
should pay fifty pounds to my son Hezekiah. I give
and bequeath to Araminta, Susannah, Lydia and
Kephia, all my movable property and land which I
had at Elk, and appoint Benjamin Brevard and Hez
kiah Ford, executors."
Year 1785. Eli Alexander.
The first purchase of land in North Carolina
by David Alexander is recorded as follows in
both the records at Elkton, Cecil County,
Maryland, and at Charlotte, Mechlenbefg, North
Carolina.
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 41
This land was purchased in July, 1779, while
the sale of David's possessions in Cecil County,
Maryland was not made until September 25,
1779.
This indenture, July sessions in the year of onr Lord,
1779, between James Alexander of the one part of Cecil
Co., of the province of Maryland and David Alexander,
of the same province of the other part witnesseth that
the said' James Alexander in consideration of the sum
of five hundred pounds to him in hand paid, do sell to
him and his heirs forever, a parcel of land situated in
Mechlenberg Co., province of North Carolina, begin-
ning at Robert Brevard's Comer, running thence to a
hickory, and on to Osborne's line, this being part of
a tract of land granted to James Alexander, Oct. 1756.
This land containing 226 acres, all houses, buildings,
orchards, waters, water courses, mines, minerals,
commodities, hereditaments to the same belonging,
with all tenements, to have and to hold to the said
David Alexander, his heirs and assigns forever. In
witness whereof I do set my hand and seal
James Alexander,
Province of Maryland.
Be it remembered that on the 19th day of June,
James Alexander acknowledged the above indenture
and also his wife Rachel Alexander acknowledged
this deed of writing to have been done with her con-
sent. Solomon Glenn.
Another tract of land of four hundred acres
was bought on the east side of the Catawba
November 15, 1779.
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42 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
Numerous other deeds to lands bought by
David are found in the records of Mechlenberg
County, at Charlotte.
It was perhaps the spring of 1783 when David
Alexander with his large family left the fair
"Eastern Shore" of Marlyand to found a new
home in Mechlenberg County, North Carolina.
The names of David's children were, Ephriam,
Isaac, Mary, Fannie, Sarah, Thomas, Joel, and
David — ^all born in Cecil County, Maryland.
David was the youngest, bom on Christmas day,
1772. David, Hke Harmon is a family name,
and has descended in the family in an unbroken
line for five generations. David Alexander, an
infant and grandson of William Harmon Alex-
ander now bearing the name. It is possible
that David's oldest sons, Ephraim and Isaac
took part in the struggle for freedom, as they
were old enough to bear arms and no mention
is made of them until 1794, when we find them
buying lands from their father.
David was twice married as will be found
by referring to deeds. Some signed by Sus-
annah in 1756. Who were her ancestors we
have not been able to discover, but she was,
no doubt, of good lineage, as were all these old
colonial families on the "Eastern Shore" of Mary-
land. There were Susannah's among the Rich-
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 43
ardsons, Thompsons, Ashtons, Craigs, Van
Bibbers, Veazies, etc., who lived in the neighbor-
hood of Bohemia Manor.
David's second wife, Elizabeth, was no doubt,
a Caldwell, or Colwell, as it was spelled in Mary-
land.
In genealogical research it is sometimes diffi-
cult to discover maternal ancestry, and some
things, must be left to conjecture and probabil-
ities. In this case so many things point to this
conclusion that it is almost a certainty . In the
first place the family of Caldwells were numerous
in Virginia and Maryland and Thomas Calwell,
a Lord chief justice lived on an adjacent planta-
tion to David Alexander, the latter purchasing
lands from him in 1769, three years before the
birth of David, Junior. A munber of Caldwells
removed to Mechlenberg the same year of
David*s removal. Last but not least, of the
Caldwell probabilities, David Alexander, Jr.,
the youngest son and possibly the only child
of Elizabeth, married his first cousin, Ann Cald-
well, for which act he was disinherited by his
father, as the strict Scotch Presbyterians were
opposed to marriages of such close consan-
guinity. Ann Caldwell was no doubt a daugh-
ter of Elizabeth's brother who removed to North
Carolina) as we have no record of either of David's
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44 ■ THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
two sisters marrying a Caldwell or going to
North Carolina. One of them probably married
Jeremiah Taylor, to whom David released part
of Sligo and Alexandria for five shillings.
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RESIDENCE OF THEODORE BUTTERWORTH
Page 77
5517 Cornell Ave. Chicago.
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CHAPTER V.
REMOVAL OF DAVID ALEXANDER JR.
TO KENTUCKY.
Not until 1794 do we find any further records,
when the following and numerous other deeds
are recorded at Charlotte. N. C.
This indenture made the 15th day of our Lord, 1794,
between David Alexander, Senior, and Elizabeth, his
wife, in the State of North Carolina, Mechlenburg Co.,
on the one hand and Isaac Alexander of the other part,
witnesseth whereas George Cathey did make entry of
land on the east side of the Catawba River in the year
1749, in all four hundred acres and the aforesaid Geo.
Cathey conveyed the same to John Tool, July 10th,
1758, and the said John Tool for a valuable considera*
tion did convey the same to David Alexander, Sen. and
his wife, Elizabeth, Nov. 15, 1779, as doth fully appear
Now for the sum of two hundred pounds in hand did
convey the full quantity of 90 acres to David Alexander,
Junior, June 16th, 1794. Now the aforesaid David
Alexander, Sen., and his wife, Elizabeth, for a com-
sideration and the sum of nine hundred pounds do
bargain, assign and sell to Isaac Alexander all right, and
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46 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
title to the following described land, beginning at a stake
or post on the east side of the Catawba River, continuing
to a hickory and a red oak, on the river bank, then down
the several courses of the river to the place of beginning,
containing 306 acres. All the above parcel of land the
said David Alexander, Sen. and hiswife Eliza beth do
bargain, grant and sell to the said Isaac Alexander in
consideration of the sum of nine hundred pounds, the
receipt of which they hereby acknowledge and also
absolutely sell all right and title to the said Isaac Alex-
ander, his heirs and assigns forever, to the said piece
of property lying in the county of Mechlenburg in the
State of North Carolina as aforesaid to have and to
hold together with all buildings and appurtenances
belonging thereto lying within the limits of said land
and subject to such interest as shall become due to
the chief Lord of Lords of the I. C. C. In witness
whereof we do affix our hand and seal.
DAVID ALEXANDER.
ELIZABETH ALEXANDER.
Mechlenburg Co., July Sessions 1794.
The marriage of David Alexander to his cousin
Ann Caldwell against his father's wishes and no
prospect of reconciliation with the stem doc-
trinal Presbyterian, induced the migration of
David and such belongings as he could collect
together to the blue grass regions of Kentucky.
While disinherited by his father and only 22 he
must have accumuated some worldly posses-
sions as deeds to the sale of lands are recorded
and the purchase of negroes would indicate.
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 47
The bills of sale of these negroes are interesting
as giving the price and manner of purchase.
Four were bought from his brother Thomas as
shown in the following bill of sale.
Know all men by these presents that I, Thomas
Alexander of the State of North Carolina, and County
of Mechlenburg, do bargain, sell aud deliver unto David
Alexander four Negroes to wit, Beck, Isaac, Jacob and
Amos, for and in the consideration and sum of one
hundred and fifteen pounds together with services
done, in hand paid, for which property I do warrant
from all men or manner of persons having
claims thereto. Given from under my hand this 2nd
day of June, 1794.
Thomas Alexander, (seal)
A. Cathey. Mechlenburg County,
July Sessions 1974.
Then was the Execution of the above Bill of Sale
proven in Open Court by A. Cathey and evidence and
I admitted to word . Isaac Alexander, M. C
These negroes accmpanied David over the
mountains and through the forests that were
filled with wild animals, camping once at night,
where the remains of a massacre of emigrants
by Indians were discovered in the morning.
It was a long and dangerous journey for this
courageous young man to make with his young
wife. A graphic description of a journey
through the wildmess at this period, 1793 and
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48 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
1794 is given in Winston Churchill's novel,
The "Crossing." The perilous passes, the narrow
trail over the Cumberland Mountains and
through the gap that led into the promised
land are vividly depicted. 1793 and 1794
marked the period when the great tide of emig-
ration flowed from Virginia and the Carolinas
into the new state, Kentucky, admitted to the
Union in 1792.
The following is a copy of a deed to sale of
land by David Alexander before his removal
to Kentucky:
This indenture made the 23d of Oct., 1794, between
David Alexander and Ann, his wife, of Mechlenburg
Co., North Carolina, of the one part and Ephraim Alex-
ander of the same place, said tract of land entered in
1749 by Geo. Cathy, sold to John Tool, by him to
David Alexander Senior and his wife, Elizabeth, did
sell 90 acres to David Alexander, Junior, and his wife,
Ann for the sum of two hundred and twenty-one
pounds, did grant, bargain and sell to Ephraim Alex-
ander all right and title to the tract of land beginning
at a red oak on the east side of the Catawba river run-
ning to a hickory tree and thence on the general courses
of the river to the beginning containing 96 acres with
the allowance of six per cent for highways and roads
Signed, sealed and acknowledged.
DAVID ALEXANDER.
ANN ALEXANDER.
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 48
The following are bills of sale for negroes
bought by David Alexander in Kentucky, many
of their descendants remaining in the family until
the close of the civil war. The Alexander
negroes were the aristocracy of the "Blue Grass,"
in Woodford County, and only mingled with the
upper crust of colored "sassiety." The little
pickaninnies dressed in long white skirts and
robes, were brought in by the proud mothers
to be admired by each newcomer who came to
this hospitable home.
Know all by these presents that I, Moses Bledsoe of
the County of Montgomery and State of Kentucky,
have bargained and sold unto David Alexander of the
County and State aforesaid, one negro woman, name
Betty, and her negro girl child, name Pat, for the con-
sideration of One hundred and ten pounds in hand paid,
the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and do
by these presents I warrant and forever defend the
rights of the aforesaid Negroes and their increase to
the said Alexander, his heirs and assigns forever in
Testimony whereby I have hereunto set my hand and
seal this sixth Day of Oct., 1807. Signed, sealed and
delivered in the presence of
JAMES HILL.
JOHN McGANNS.
JOSEPH JONES.
MOSES BLEDSOE .... (SEAL)
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49 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
•' Know all men by these presents that I, Robert B.
Crooks for and in consideration of the sum of three
hundred and fifty dollars to me in hand paid the re-
ceipt, whereas hereby acknowledged, have bargained,
sold and delivered to David Alexander a Mulatto
girl, named Nance, which said girl with her future in-
crease I do warrant as a slave for life to the said Alex-
ander, his heirs and against the claims of all persons
whosoever in witness whereof I do hereunto set my
hand and affix my seal this twenty-fifth day of October,
one thousand eight hundred and eight.
JOHN PEEBLES. ROBERT B. CROOKS.
JNO. PUGH. (SEAL)
A
"Know all men by these presents that I, Frederick
Murchley of Edwards County, Illinois Territory, have
this day granted, bargained and sold and delivered unto
David Alexander of Montgomery County, and State
of Kentucky, a negro man named Tom, age thirty-eight
years, and a negro woman named Fanny, aged thirty
years, for the consideration of seven hundred dollars in
hand paid, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,
which negroes I warrant to be sound and healthy.
And further, I do by these presents warrant and for-
ever defend the rights of the aforesaid negroes to the
said David Alexander, his heirs, etc. in testimony
whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this
twenty-eighth day of January, One thousand eight
hundred and seventeen. Signed, sealed and delivered
in presence of
WALKER BOWEN. FREDERICK MURCHLEY.
JOHN GILL. (SEAL).
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CHAPTER VI.
1796 DEATH OF DAVID ALEXANDER.
HIS WILL AND DEEDS TO SALE
OF PLANTATIONS.
David Alexander died in 1796. His will is
Recorded in the book of wills at Charlotte, Mech-
lenburg Co., North Carolina, as follows;
WILL OF DAVID ALEXANDER
••In the name of God, Amen. This the 31st day of
May in the year of our Lord, 1796, I, David Alexander,
of the County of Mechlenburg, in the State of North
Carolina, being sick and weak in body, but of a perfect
sound mind and memory, thanks to God, and calling to
mind the mortality of the body and that it is appointed
of all men to die, do make this my last will and Testa-
ment.
First of all, recommending my soul unto the hands
of God who gave it and my body to the earth to be
buried in a decent Christian Burial at the discretion
of my Executors hereafter named, nothing doubting
but to receive the same again at the general Resurrec-
tion by the mighty hand of God, hoping through the
merits, death, and passion of my Lord and Savior,
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51 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
Jesus Christ, to receive a full and free pardon of all
my sins and to inherit everlasting life, and as touch-
ing such worldly state as it hath pleased God to bless
me with in this life, I give, demise, bequeath, and
dispose of in the following manner and form, viz:
First of all, I will that all those debts and duties that
I owe to any person or persons be first paid and satisfied
by my Executors hereafter named.
Item — I give and bequeath to my loving wife, Eliza-
beth, mp dwelling house, one bed and furniture thereto
belonging, with the tables and furniture thereto be-
longing, including pots and all vessels of cooking, one
horse to the value of twenty-five pounds, with a saddle
and bridle to be levied out of my estate, one Negro
woman named Rachel, her maintenance in my house
during her widowhood, and all above mentioned to be
at her own disposal except the House to her, her heirs,
and assigns forever.
Istem — I give and bequeath to my son, Joel, twenty
s'lillings current money to be levied out of my estate
to him and his heirs forever.
Item — I give and bequeath to my son, Thomas, 20
shillings current money to be Iveied out of my estate
to him and his heirs forever.
Item — I give and bequeath to my son, David, twenty
shillings current money to be levied out of my estate
to him and his heirs forever.
Item — I give and bequeath to my sons, Isaac and
Ephraim, all my plantation implements to be equally
divided between them, and it is my will that the said
two sons, Isaac and Ephraim, shall maintain their
mother in a, plentiful decent manner during her
widowhood as above mentioned.
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 52
Item — I give and bequeath to my daughter, Mary,
one Negro boy named George, with one bed and furni-
ture, with a saddle and bridle, with one cow and calf,
with a two-year old mare, to her and her heirs forever.
Item — I give and bequeath to my daughter, Sarah
one Negro boy named Peter, a saddle and bridle, and
one cow and calf, to her and her heirs forever, with
one bed and furniture.
Item — I give and bequeath to my daughter, Fanny,
seventy pounds lawful money to be levied out of my
estate, a saddle and bridle, one cow and calf, with a bed
and furniture, to her and her heirs forever.
Item — It is my will and I order that my son, Eph-
raim, gets a horse -valued at twenty pounds lawful
money to be levied out of my estate.
Item — I give and bequeath to my wife, Elizabeth,
two cows and calves of her own choosing, and to her
heirs forever.
Item — It is my will and I order that the two planta-
tions, one known by the name ** Johnston's Place" and
the other known by the name of The Rocky River Land;
be sold in order to pay my debts and legacies, and after
the payments of all debts and legacies, if any remainder
should be, with the residue left of my estate including
my cattle and hogs, to be equally divided* among my
children, namely, Isaac, Ephraim, Mary, Sarah, and
Fanny, to them and their heirs forever.
Item — It is my will and I order that the debts of my
son, Thomas, to me, if he is ever found and the debts
can be recovered, be equally divided among the above
mentioned five children.
Item — I name and nominate, constitute and appoint
my loving wife, Elizabeth, and my two sons, Isaac an
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53 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
Ephraim, executors of this my last Will and Testament,
hereby revoking and dismissing all former and other
wills, bequests, and demises heretofore, ratifying and
conforming this and no other to be my last Will and
Testament.
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced, and declared
to be the last Will and Testament of the said David
Alexander in presence of
GEORGE MOON.
EZEKIAL ALEXANDER.
WM. GRAHAM.
DAVID ALEXANDER. (SEAL).
31st day of May, 1796,"
Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N. C.
Page 41, Wills Book A.
In 1797, Ephraim and Isaac, sons of David,
proceeded to dispose of the various lands and
plantations left them by their father . Some of
the deeds to these are herewith given :
This indenture, made the 29th of Oct. in the year of
our Lord, 1794, between Ephraim Alexander of the
County of Mechlenburg, State of N. C, planter of the
one part and John Bodman of the County of Lincoln
on the other part did bargain and sell to the said John
Bodman for the sam of one hundred and fotry-one
pounds the tract of land lying on the east side of the
Catawba river, whereon the oaid Ephraim Alexander
now resides, near the Tools Ford, containing ninety
acres together with all houses, appurtenances, heredi-
taments belonging to said plantation in witness whereof
I set my hand and seal.
EPHRAIM ALEXANDER.
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 54
This indenture between Isaac Alexander and Eph-
raim Alexander of the one part and Samuel Harris of
the other part do bargain, sell and convey to him the
plantation originally granted to John Gullen, conveyed
to James Alexander, by him to David Alexander, and
by him to Ephraim and Isaac Alexander, they do
hereby confirm to Samuel Harris for a valuable con-
sideration to them in hand paid, all right and title to
said tract of land, all ways, woods, waters, buildings,
tenements and appuretnances thereto belonging, in
witness whereof we do affix the hand and seal of
EPHRAIM ALEXANDER
ISAAC ALEXANDER.
24th of January, 1797.
Book 15, page 61.
County Records in Charlotte Court House, Mechen-
burg, Co., North Carolina.
This indenture made in the year of our Lord, 1797,
between Isaac Alexander and Ephraim Alexander of the
one part and James Johnston of the County of Lincoln
and Staet of N. C, of the other part witnesseth that the
said Isaac and Ephraim Alexander for and in con-
sideration of the sum of 1,200 Spanish Milled Dollars
to them in hand paid by the said Isaac and Ephraim
Alexander do hereby acknowledge, doth grant and,
bargain and confirm unto the said Jas. Johnston the
tract of land lying in the County of Mechlenburg, N. C,
being a part of a tract of land granted orginally to
Geo. Cathey and bearing date 1769 and said Cathey to
John Tool and from John Tool to David Alexander,
dated 15th Nov., 1779, and from said David Alexander
to his sons Ephraim and Isaac by will, said land
lying on the Southeast of the Catawba River beginning
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55 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
at a red oak and running thence to a stake and follow-
ing the various courses of the river to its beginning
and all the buildings, waters, water courses, mines and
appuretnances thereof to James Johnston to have and
to hold to him and his assigns forever. In witness
whereof we do affix the hand and seal of
EPHRAIM ALEXANDER-
ISAAC ALEXANDER.
Page 338 Book 14 Court Records, Charlotte, Mech-
lenburg Co., N. C, 1797.
This indenture between Ephraim Alexander and
Joel Jones for the sum of 600 dollars a tract of land
containing 122 acres.
EPHRAIM ALEXANDER.
March 17, 1809.
Mechlenberg County and Charlotte, the county
seat were among the most interesting and his-
torical points during the revolution* It was at
Charlotte that the famous and much disputed
first declaration of the independence of the
colonies was framed and signed in 1775. The
chairman of the meeting was Abraham Alex-
ander. The secretary, John McKnitt Alex-
ander and among the signers were Ezra Alex-
ander, Adam Alexander, Charles Alexander and
Hezekiah Alexander. Who can doubt the
patriotism, the loyalty, the love of country and
of freedom of this race of men.
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 50
David Alexander and his descendants dis-
appeared entirely frcm Mechlenberg Co., in less
than 30 years as there are no records after 1809.
One Elizabeth Alexander died in 1833, who
might have been David's widow, as she was
possibly much yourgcr than he.
Seme fragments of papers as follows in regard
to a lawsuit were found among the papers of
William Alexander Grandson of David and
Elizabeth. They are curious and valuable as
giving the date of David Jr's., birth. At this
period the smallest affairs were of much im-
portance to these early colonists and were settled
in court.
Mrs. Elizabeth Alexander depose th and saith that
David Alexander, the defendant was born the 25th
day of December, 1772, and that the said David
Alexander was employed by his brother, Thomas
Alexander, to go a trip in driving cattle northward in
the summer of the year of 1793. The defendant re-
turned home on Christmas day the 25th of December,
1793, and since that time has had no concern either
as employed or otherwise with the said Thomas Alex-
" ander and further this deponent saith that said David
Alexander had no claim of any property whatever till
after the time of his return when he came of age of 21
years, and that the said David Alexander was not
allowed by his father to trade in any respect or make
any contracts for himself, until after the time of his
coming of age.
Question by defendant: — Did or did not you know
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57 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
;hat in the year 1792 Thomas Alexander "engaged^me
from my father to go a trip in taking horses to the
northward? ;
Answer: — I did. ^^
Question second by the same: — What was the con-
sideration which Thomas Alexander was to give my
father for my services in going said trip and what was
the contract between them. State if you recollect?
Answer: — To the best of my recollection Thomas
Alexander agreed to bring David Alexander's father of
the defendant a negro girl and was to have her at what
she cost and that the services of the defendant, was to be
in part pay of said Negro girl..
Question 3rd by same: — Did Thomas Alexander
bring said Negro girl?
Answer: — No. Thomas Alexander did not bring
said Negro girl, agreeable to contract but brought a
negro man named Chester.
Question by the same: — Did you ever know me to
trade or make any contract with any person whatever
until I came of age?
Answer: — No, and further deponent saith not.
Joel Alexander on oath saith that some time in the
year 1793 the deponent was present, when a contract
took place between Thomas Alexander and David
Alexander, father of the present defendant which was
that said Thomas Alexander agreed and took a negro
fellow from Major Worth and let his father have said
negro to pay for the services of this defendant while he
was gone on a trip northward to take horses to Virginia
and Maryland.
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CHAPTER VII.
DAVID ALEXANDER'S DESCENDANTS
IN ALABAMA AND TENNESEE.
David Alexander, Sr. had eight children, viz. :
Isaac, Ephraim, Joel, Thomas, Fannie,Polly,
and David.
Isaac Alexander removed to Alabama in 1794
and raised a large family of whom there are no
records save the names of his children as follows :
Violet Davidson, Martha Rose, Joseph McKnitt,
Thomas Young, Mary Sample, Margaret Jane,
and Nancy Pharr.
Ephraim made his home near Knoxville,
Tenn., married twice. Had one child, a daugh-
ter named Sophia by his first wife. Names of
other children not known, Sarah, Fannie, Polly
and Joel removed toRutherford Co., Tenn.
Polly married Mr. Haley. One son, Elijah.
Married the second time, Mr. Burke. One son,
John.
Fannie married James Alexander. Had two
sons, Elias, Josiah Alfred.
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51) THE ALEXANDER FAxMILY
Joel married, had three sDns, John, Harvey,
one unknown.
Harvey married, two sons, Thomas and
Robert.
Sarah and her descendants are the only
Alexanders belong'ng to David's family of whom
I have personal knowledge except David of
Kentucky, the writer's ancestor.
Sarah married her first cousin, Daniel Alex-
ander, son of James a brother of David.
Sarah and Daniel Alexander had five children,
Elam, Madison, Levi, Albert, Eliza Jane and
Polly. Elam and Levi died.
Madison married Katherine Suttle; had ten
children. Albert, James, William, Elizabeth,
Jennie, Charles, Henry Clay, Ellis, Sarah, Ben-
jamin.
Albert married Annie Suttle, had seven
children.
Eliza, Madison, Robert, Elizabeth, Sarah,
Ophelia and Katherine.
Eliza Jane married Charles Leatherman, had
several children. One named Sarah.
Sarah, daughter of David lived to be 99 years
eld. Daniel, her husband died, aged 57.
Madison died at 88, his wife, Katherine 77.
Albert died, £ged 62, his wife, Annie, 89.
Madison Alexander's children, Albert and
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 60
Charles died unmarried. James married Cas-
sandra Burroughs, had six children, Harriet,
Clifton, Albert, Vernon, Lucy, Eliza.
William married Laura Copeland, seven chil-
dren, Florence, Madison, William, Benjamin,
Earl, Jane and Lulu.
Jane married William Polk.
Elizabeth married Burwell Fletcher, had six
children, Alice, Richard, Ellen, Robert, Ida,
and John.
Henry Clay married Katherine Ellis, six chil-
dren, Addie, died, Elizabeth, Ellis, Sarah,
Henry, died, Katherine.
Ellis married Katherine Burroughs of Memphis,
Tenn., they have two charming children Horace
and Mattie.
Sarah married James M. King. Both died
early; left one child, Albert R. King.
Jennie married. Husband's name unknown.
No children.
Benjamin is a bachelor and spends much of
his time at Tampa, Florida, where he has large
interests.
Albert Gallatin Alexander's descendants:
Madison died at Springfield, 111.
Robert married Mrs. Kitty Harris, widow of
Dr. R. B. Harris. This was her third marriage.
Her first husband, Alexander Byers. Her
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61 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
maiden name was Katherine Jackson.
Elizabeth married William Sutton.
Ophelia married Benjamin Rucker, a relative
of Ex-President Polk. One child, Annie. Mar-
ried second time John King. Had three chil-
dren, Robert, Azale, and Ophelia.
Katherine married Clarence Kimbro, had five
children, Elizabeth, John, died; Obediah, died;
Julian, Clarence.
Eliza never married. She lives in the old
family home near Murfreesboro,.Tenn. Has a
charming and aristocratic personality and is very
proud of her ancestry.
A letter written in 1833 by Daniel Alexander
to his Grand Nephew, David Alexander of
Kentucky, grandson of David, Sr. gives an
account of these families of Alexanders who
made their homes in Tenessee and much infor-
mation that is most interesting. We give the
letter entire.
Murfreesboro, Tenn.,
March the 18th, 1833.
Dear Cousin:
I received vour favor of the 12 of February for the
first I have heard from any of your father's family,
except himself and I am very sorry to learn your father
is dead, which we had not heard before. You wish
me to let you know something about your Uncle
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 62
Ephraim's family. I am sorry to say he died near
two years since. He lived near Knoxville, miles
from here and I have not seen him for 8 or 10 years.
Your aunt Polly is married to a Mr. Robert Burk who
lives at a place called the Crab Orchard near Spencer-
ville, on the main stage road from Nashville and are
doing very well. She, like your father has lost her
first companion and has married her second. Mr.
Burk, though she never had but two children — both
.sons — one by each husband. I expect your Uncle
Isaac is living. I was at his house several times about
four years ago. He then lived in Alabama about 200
miles from here. He and his wife had 7 children —
5 daughters and two sons. Their oldest daughter was
then married. Your Aunt Sallie and myself has been
so imfortunate as to lose 4 of our children out of 7
that we have had. We now only have 2 sons and one
daughter now a living, all single. The two boys both
live about one mile from me and keep bachelor's hall
on an excellent plantation adjoining me that I bought
last summer. We only had one child ever married and
he died in about five nionths after he married though
his wife never had any children. She married not
long since again and I think she has married very wel
I believe I am through my narrative to you about your
reltaions in this country and as for news I have none
to give you of importance. Our cotton crop the last
season was very indifferent. I cultivated about 62
acres in cotton and only made about 23 thousand
three hundred pounds of cotton seed. My two sons
tended 27 acres and only made about fifteen thousand
three hundred pounds. Cotton is the staple of this
country and when that fails the times is hard with
the people that involves themselves in debt, though for
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(i:^ THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
my part I never involve myself and hard times don't
afTect me. As I have no other subject worth your at-
tention I will give you the names of all your cousins
in this country that I believe is living, beginning with
my own, viz. : MadisonHowe, Albert Gallatin, Eliza
Jane, all grown. Your Uncle Isaac, as follows: viz.:
Violet Davidson, Martha Rose, Joseph McKnitt,
Thomas Young, Mary Sample. Margaret Jane, Nancy
Pharr. Now your Aunt Polly's viz. : Haley, named
after the first husband. Burk, named after a brother
of her present husband. I liked to forget your uncle
Joel's and Aunt .Fannie's families, though your aunt
has been dead upwards of twenty years. She only
had two sons, Elias Alexander and Josiah Alfred Alex-
ander. Uncle Joel and his wife are both dead and
have only three children living in this country, yiz. :
John Alexander, Harvey Alexander Alexander,
all married except John, though I have not seen them
for several years, though all live in this state. The
two oldest sons went to live in Indaina some 15 years
ago and I have not late news of them, to-wit, Thomas
and Robert.
Your Uncle Ephraim was also married twice. He
only had one child by his first wife which was a daugh-
ter. Her name was Sopphiah. I never saw his last
wife or his children nor do I know how many she had
or their names. I should like very much to see any
of your father's children in this country if it would be
convenient for any of you to come. Please to give
my best wishes to all your family, your brothers and
sisters if you should see them. I should like to receive
letters from them at any time and also from yourself.
From your sincere friend and uncle,
DANIEL ALEXANDER.
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY G4
N. B. I gave my oldest sons a first rate education .
One of themstudied law and the other medicine and
both of them died. The oldest was named Elam and
the other Levi. Madison and Albert only wish to
make farmers therefore they did not incline to take a
liberal education.
Your Uncle, D. A.
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CHAPTER VIII.
DAVID ALEXANDER JR. AND HIS
DESCENDANTS.
David Alexander, Jr. the youngest child of
David Alexander and Elizabeth was born on
Christmas day, 1772, in Cecil Co., Maryland on
the plantation called Hispaniola, adjoining
Bohemia Manor. Hispaniola is described in one
of the deeds to lands that David sold as a planta-
tion with a manor house. David was eight
years old when his father removed to Mechlen-
berg, Co., N. C, and only 22 when he and his
wife, Ann Caldwell, with several of her brothers
removed to Kentucky. He purchased land and
made his home first in Montgomery County,
removing afterwards to Woodford County, near
Versailles, the garden spot of the blue grass
regions. Here he prospered in wealth, lands,
houses, and negroes, served his country loyally
in the war of 1812, rasied a large family of chil-
dren, all of them doing honor to his name and
some of them distinguished as lawyers, doctors,
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY Go
and representatives to congress. He died in
1833 at the age of 61 and was buried in the old
Pisgah Presbyterian grave yard. David no
doubt assisted in organizing the Pisgih Pres-
byterian church, as did his ancestors in Maryland
Virginia and North CaroHna. It is near Ver-
sailles and about ten miles from Lexington.
Services are still held in this old church which is
in a good state of preservation.
The following letter from Col. Archibald
Cathey of Mechlenburg Co., N. C, and of revo-
lutionary fame to David Alexander Ir., of
Montgomery Co., Kentucky, written in 1807
is interesting, giving information as to crops and
prices of corn, wheat and cotton and referring
to the lawsuit memtioned before. Col. Cathey
and David Alexander both married Caldwells.
Reference in the letter is made to the relation-
ship.
To Mr. David Alexander, Kentucky,
Mechlenburg County, North Carolina, May 31st, 1807.
Sir: — I lift my pen to right once more, letting you
know that we are all well, hoying you and your family
are well also. Crops was very indifferent last season,
corn is not to be had, and where it is is over one dollar
per bushel, but it is not to be had. Wheat crops is
very good where crops is of any account. The crops
of cotton is so heavy that we raise but little wheat.
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67 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
Sir, I am told that suit is commenced against you that
I have long looked for from the eastern shores of Mary-
land. I have a neighbor I think could be of great ad-
vantage to you but I will state facts and you may judge
what use to make of him or in other words, teU or let
your attorney know the amount of his evidence. I
I made particular inquiry af him and you will hear his
answer.
1. Was you in the room at the time the obligation
was signed? I was. 2. Did David Alexander sign
it? No, he did not sign the obligation. Q. Who
signed his name to that obligation? A. His brother,
Thomas Alexander. Q. Did David Alexander ak-
knowledge his name when signed? A. No, he did
not. Q. Was he at the table when signing. A. No,
he was not. Neither did he pay any attention to them.
Q. Did he direct his brother, Thos. Alexander to
sign for him? A. I do not know but I think not.
Q. Was David Alexander and Thomas Alexander in
co-partnership in trading? A. It appeared as if they
was.
Sir, I have come as near as possible to the amount of
the evidence that Patrick Johnston will make in the
county and state aforesaid if it should appear necessary
to take the evidence of the said Patrick Johnston and the
laws of the state will admit of commissions to take the
evidence at my house in Mechlneburg county, state of
North Carolina, near Beattys Ford, before myself and
Joh nHarris or Richard Boney, Esq. I believe I have
stated things as well as I can in truth. You can act
as you think best. Sir, you have a long time forgt me
but I have not forgot you. Give my compliments to
Cousin Anna and all her relations. Polly and her
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 68
mother send their compliments to all their relatives,
in particular, Aunt Polly and their Cousin Anna.
Sir, excuse me for not writing more fully on other
things. My mind is taken upon that suited you best
I am yours to serve Col. Arch C. Cathey.
Mr. Dayid Alexander I cannot recollect the names
of the creditors in that obligation though I have seen
it, I believe twice. A. C. to D. A.
The children of David Alexander and his first
wife Ann Caldwell, were seven: John, Caldwell,
James, Elizabeth, Jane, Harmon, Andrew and
Mary.
The children of his second wife, Mary Frances
Rankin, were six: William, Rankin, Adam,
Thomas Calvin, Martha, David. Amanda.
John Caldwell Alexander married Nancy Wil-
son, removed to Palestine, Crawford Co,. 111.
Was a practicing physician and a member of the
legislature for several terms from Crawford Co.
Had five children: John Houston, Angeline,
Guy, William and David.
John Houston went to California in 49, made
several fortunes and lost them. Returning,
studied medicine, graduating at Miami College,
Cincinnati, married Mary Tarkington, of Greens-
burg, Indiana. She belongs to an old revo-
lutionary family and is a D. A. R. John Hous-
ton Alexander was surgeon of an Indiana regi-
ment during the war.
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69 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
Is practising physician and pension examiner
at Greensburg, Ind. Three children, John
Joseph and Mary. Mary died in infancy.
John married Miss Claudia Hill. Is manufactur-
ing druggist, no children.
Joseph married Myrilla Morris Anderson,
lives in Indianapolis, is druggist and salesman.
One daughter, Margaret June, has remarkable
musical talent.
Angeline married a Mr. Fletcher, lived in
Springfield, 111. Two children, son aad daughter,
both married.
Guy studied law, went through the Civil war,
was captain of a company in an Illinois regiment.
Practised his profession after his return from
military service, was a brilliant lawyer. Married
Miss Rhoda Decker of Crawford Co., 111. Guy
died leaving four children, John C, William
Decker, Frank, Carrie.
John C. married Edith Taylor, have one child
living, Joseph Vermon.
John C. Alexander died.
William Decker married Ava Wood. Have
one child living, Catherine. They reside at
Danville, 111.
Frank and Carrie are not married and live
at Robinson, 111.
William Fithian Alexander was a twin brother
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 70
of Guy Alexander. He died at an early age.
Harmon removed from Woodford Co., Ken-
tucky to Palestine, 111. in 1817. Was a practising
physician and also a member of the legislature
and land commissioner for a number of years.
Married three times. His first wife was Eliza
Kitchell, daughter of Judge Joseph Kitchell
of Palestine, 111. One child, Mary Ellen, who
died young. His second wife was Julia Kitchell
a sister of his first wife. Three children Kitty,
Catherine and James-
Kitty married E. E. Murphy, a merchant of
Palestine, 111. Three children. Henry died
in infancy, Janette married George Newbold.
Six children, two died. Guy, Roy, Ruth and
Glenn are living at Robinson, 111. Belle married
Frank Fields,
Catharine married George Sweet. Had four
children, Edward, Mary, Nellie and Allen.
James, son of Harmon married Adaline Runell
of Marshall, 111. Had several children.
James died.
Harmon's last wife was Jeretta Wilson. There
were two children, William and Elizabeth.
William married Margaret Lanham. Have
four children, Frank Wilson, Clifford Harmon,
Bessie and Ray.
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71 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
Clifford Harmon married Ruth Gudgely, of
Hazleton, Ind.
Frank Wilson married Mignone Phillips of
Palestine, 111. Ray and Bessie unmarried.
Elizabeth daughter of Harmon married W. C.
Eaton, banker of Robinson, 111.
Elizabeth Alexander, daughter of David
Alexander and Ann Caldwell, married John Gill,
who was a soldier of the War of 1812 and was in
the same company as David Alexander, who also
was a soldier of 1812.
John Gill and Elizabeth Alexander had a large
family of Children who grew to maturity, all
dying save one of that mysterious disease of
the ear,y days in Illinois called milk sickness.
Celia, the only surviving child was married and
living at Mattoon, 111., at this time, thus escap-
ing the sad fate of her family. Celia married a
Rev. Mr. Chamberlin. Thev removed from
Mattoon to Beloit, Wisconsin, had four sons,
Thomas, Nelson, Joseph and James.
Thomas Chamberlin is at the head of the geo-
logical department of the University of Chi-
sago. Married Miss Belle Wilson of Beloit.
One son, RoUin, who is also in the geological
department of the University of Chicago.
Nelson Chamberlin, farmer and stock breeder.
Married three times. Three children, one mar-
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RESIDENCE •/ CHARLES ALEXANDER Esq.
VERSAILLES, IVOODFORD CO.. KENTUGKr
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 72
ried, Joseph Chamberlin, is a Congregational min-
ister and president of a college at Marietta, Ohio.
Two children.
James Chamberlin, Congregational minister,
lives at Berkeley, California. Three children.
Janet Alexander married William Gay and
removed to Monroe Coimty, Missouri. Two
children a son and a daughter. Son died,
daughter married Richard Durrett of Monroe
County, where their descendants still live.
Mary Alexander married William Martin of
Woodford County, Ky. They did not live long,
left two children, Mary Frances and William;
both married and descendants living in Kentucky
James Alexander married Betsey Hearst,
daughter of a well known family of this name in
Woodford County, Ky.
James Alexander was the only one of these
Alexanders who remained in Kentucky, raising
hemp and tobacco and increasing his lands and
negroes. He left but one child to perpetuate
his name, Charles Alexander, who married
Mollie Daniels of Nicholasville. Are still living
near Versailles in one of the beautiful homes of
the "Blue grass." No children.
Andrew Alexander married and removed to
Callaway County, Missouri. His oldest son
was named David. It is thought some of his
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73 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
descendants are still living there.
David Alexander's first wife, Ann Caldwell,
died about 1809. He married his second wife,
Mary Rankin in 1811 and only a short time be-
before the war of 1812 in which he participated.
The following is a copy of his discharge papers -.
This is to make it known to whom it may concern
that David Alexander, soldier in Cap't. Richard Mene-
fies Company composing a part of my regiment under
the command of his excellency, Gov. Shelby, has served
his country the period of 74 days and this is the evi-
dence that said Alexander is entitled to a tour of duty
for said period and testifying the honorable service of
said David Alexander having acted the part of a brave
soldier.
The commandant of said Regiment takes this last
occasion to return to the officers and men his sincere
thanks for their faithful service in his command and
for the fortitude with which they submitted to pri-
vations and hardships and to congratulate them on
the termination of their services which was as brilliant
as the commencement was patriotic.
Col. John Donnaldson, I. C. C, 2nd Reg't. Kentucky,
mounted Volanters, Richard Menefee, Cap't., Novem-
ber 26th, 1813.
David Alexander was one of the four thousand
Kentucky mounted volunteers under Governor
Shelby, who reinforced General Harrison Sept.
17th, 1813, in the Northwest. On the 29th
of Sept, the Americans took possession of De-
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 74
troit, lostat Hulls surrender Aug. 16, 1812 and
the 2nd of October General Harrison started
in pursuit of the enemy. A desperate battle was
fought. Tecumseh was slain and almost all of
Proctor's command were killed or taken pris-
oners. By this brilliant victory all that Hull
lost was recovered, the war in the Northwest
was terminated and the volunteers dismissed,
among them David Alexander.
The following memoranda and tax receipt are
interesting :
Due Nicholas Tyler $23.00 for taking or standing
Tour of Duty on himself for John Gill and David
Alexander, in Capt. Thomas Jemmisons Co., and in
the Second Class of said Company.
Given under my hand and seal, the 27th of Febru-
ary, 1813.
J. S. MAGOWAN.
Lexington, 5th Dec. 1804.
Rec'd of Mr. David Alexander, $5.00, which I
promise to pay to Henry Clay, Esq.
JOHN H. MORTON.
The farm of Henry Clay adjoined that of
David Alexander and they were very close
friends.
David Alexander died in 1833, his wife sur-
viving him some years.
William Rankin Alexander, the oldest son of
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75 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
David and Mary Rankin was bom at Mt. Sterling
Kentucky, August 9, 1813. He married Eliza
Fleming, a noted beauty of Lexington, Ky.
She was very fond of keeping the dresses she
wore at this period and among them remain
two in a perfect state of preservation. One a
dark brown brocaded oil boiled silk, and made
in the fashion of this time, low necked very short
waisted, immense sleeves, filled out with stiffen-
ing and a long narrow skirt. The other a dark
myrtle green silk made much in the same style
and in which she often related she tripped "the
light fantastic toe" with Henry Clay at a ball
given in his honor at Frankfort. A bonnet
worn with the green silk also remains. It is
made of the silk of the dress — a very large front,
with narrow crown running up at the back and
trimmed with wide white satin ribbon, tied under
the chin with same in- a large bow. A white
lace veil drooped from the high rim of this
bonnet. The lace veil, which was of great
value, was stolen some years ago.
William Rankin Alexander, was a contem-
porary of Henry Clay and a* *conf rere"of Abraham
Lincoln . An old line Whig, he early manifested a
spirit of intolerance for the traditions of slavery,
imbibed no doubt from the Rankins, his mother's
family. She belonged to the Rankins of Lexing-
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 73
ton, Ky,. of whom Adam Rankin, the celebrated
Presbyterian Divine of Lexington was a member.
Upon the death of his father, David, William gave
their freedom to the slaves that fell to his share.
Two of them, Uncle Tom and Aunt Fannie,
living at Madison, Indiana to a good old age.
William Alexander was a patriot by right of
birth. Like all Whigs he espoused the princi-
ples of the Republican party to which he and all
his descendants have been faithful adherents.
He was an inimitable story teller, a brilliant
conversationalist and an extempore speaker of
wit and magnetism. Of tall and distinguished
personal appearance, he was beloved and re-
spected by all, the rich and poor, by white and
black. Clinging always to the good old doc-
trines of his ancestors, the Presbyterians of
which denomination he was an Elder. He lived
in Cincinnati during the Civil War, in which he
was prevented from taking an active part, save
as Captain of Home Guards, by an injury to the
sight of one eye. This was not noticeable.
His eyes were dark brown after the manner of
the Alexanders, but the merry twinkle in them
was all his own. He removed to Quincy, 111.,
where he remained until his death in 1880. His
first wife died in 1870. He married again a
few years later Miss Jane Chapman. She be-
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77 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
longed to a well known and highly respected
family.
William and Eliza Alexander had seven chil-
dren: David Fleming, died in infancy: Elizabeth
Kinkaid, died aged 17; Mary Frances, Louise
Amerrette, William Harmon, and Martha Cor-
nelia.
David died at the age of two years. Eliza-
beth Kinkaid was remarkable for her beauty
and talent as a writer. The depth of her learn-
ing and wrtings for one so young was most
unusual and almost without precedent. Her
mind seemed to fathom intuitively psychic,
scientific and religious truths. "The immor-
tality of the soul, independence of thought and
political subjects were handled with equal ease
by her facile pen and with the most extraordinary-
strength and beauty of diction. Truly a brilliant
future and a bright star in the field of literature
went out when she passed away.
Mary Frances Alexander married Theodore
Butterworth at Quincy, 111., removing to Chicago
in 1892, where they now reside. Mr. Butter-
worth came of good ancestry, from the Butter-
worths, of Birmingham. Er gland, his father, Syl-
vanus Butterworth of New York, imported the
first Shcrt Horn cattle into Missouri by way of
New Orleans. His mother's family were the Van-
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 78
divers of Virginia. Believing like his father in the
improvement of stock, he began the publication
of the Live Stock Journal twenty-five years ago.
He has continued the publication in Chicago
since 1895, where it takes first rank among
Live Stock Journals.
Mrs. Frances Alexander Butterworth belongs
to the Daughters of 1812, of which organization
she is one of the vice-presidents. Her daughter
Mrs. Virginia Parker is also a member of this
historical and patriotic society.
The children of Theodore and Frances Alex-
Alexander Butterworth are Virginia; Maud
Fleming, died; Theodore Alexander; Francis
Sylvanus, died, aged two years; Harold Theron
Virginia married Dr. Charles Hadden Parker,
of Chicago. He is of New England ancestry and
old revolutionary stock. They have two chil-
dren, Donald Delphonse, and Philippa Virginia.
Theodore Alexander married Agnese Hortense
Parker, a daughter of Dr. James Parker of Santa
Cruz, California, and a niece of Dr. Charles
Parker. They have one child, Doris Parker.
Harold Theron has attained his majority and
is unmarried. The two sons, Theodore and
Harold are interested in the Live Stock Journal
with their father. All live in Chicago.
Louise Ameretta Alexander married Dr
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79 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
Pierre Marks, of Quincy, but formerly of Cincin-
nati, where he enlisted for service in the Civil
War, serving as assistant surgeon, but acting
as first surgeon on the gunboat Fairplay in the
naval service. He removed to Quincy after the
war where he was proprietor of a drug store
and followed his profession. Coming to Chicago
seme years rgo he practiced medicine until his
death the 12th of May, 1905. Dr. Marks and
his wife, Louise Alexander had but one child,
Marie Louise, a musician.
Pauline Alexander is unmarried and makes
her home with her sisters in Chicago. She is an
artist by profession and has done some very
charming water colors.
William Harmon Alexander married Kather-
ine Agnes Gerry of Quincy, 111. Katherine Gerry
comes of old revolutionary ancestry and is a
D. A. R. She is of the famous family of Coverts
on her father's side and on her mother's of
Scotch descent. Her tastes are literary. She
has been president of clubs and done much work
in this line.
Haimcn Alexander was proprietor of a drug
store for seme years in Quincy. His health
failing he is net new engaged in any
active business. Harmon and Katherine Alex-
ander had ten children: William Harmon, Jr.;
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 80
Margaret Louise; Francis Flemirg; Robert
Watt; Paul Marks; Donald, died, aged four;
Dorothy Cornelia; Mary Virginia; Eleanor
Ruth. One child died in infancy.
William Harmon, Jr. married in Texarkana
Have one child, David Alexander. Harmon
or Harry as he is called, is at present paymaster
en a branch railroad running from Texarkana
Francis and Robert are employed in the office
of the Quincy Wheel Works. They have posi-
tions of trust and are in a fair way to make
responsible and respected citizens of the United
States.
Mark, the youngest son, is attendirg the
University of Chicago. Francis and Mark be-
long to the state militia. Francis is a Lieutenant
and has won many prizes and medals for marks-
manship.
Cornelia Alexander married Edgar Sylvanus
Butterworth, brother of Theodore. She died
in 1890, leaving one daughter, Mabel. Her
father married again and had a son, Edgar.
Edgar Butterworth, husband of Cornelia
Alexander, died in Quincy, 111., September,
1906.
Mabel Butterworth filled a responsible posi-
tion in the Biological department of the Uni-
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81 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
versity of Chicago for several years. She died
in Chicago April 1st, 1907.
Adam Rankin Alexander married Clarissa
Montgomery of Kentucky. They had two
children, Frank and Araminta. Adam Alex-
ander died in California.
Frank married, died in San Francisco.
Araminta married in Indianapolis. No chil-
dren. Dead.
Thomas Alexander married Angeline Wilson
in Palestine, Crawford Co., 111. Had five
children: Virginia, Elizabeth, Harry, Frederick
and Edward.
Virginia married Amos Misenhelder of Pales-
tine, 111. They have four children, Ray, Franks
Bessie and Kitty.
Elizabeth died after attaining majority.
Harry married, lives in Palestine, 111. Hag
four children.
Fred married, has two children. Lives in
Indianapolis, Ind.
Edward married Miss Ida Freeman in Pales-
tine, 111. Have four children: Ruth, Herbert,
Virginia and Samuel. They live in Chicago.
Edward and his son Herbert are employed in
the freight offices of the Illinois Central Railroad
Thomas Alexander died at Palestine 1898.
His widow, Angeline is still living.
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 82
David Alexander married in Madison, Ind.,
and died a number of years ago. He was edu-
cated at Hanover, Ind. College and was a bril-
liant scholar. He left one daughter, Mary
Frances.
Martha Alexander died young.
Amanda Alexander the youngest of David
Alexander's daughters was a great beauty.
She married a Mr. Janney of Marshall, 111.
Only live d a few years; left one son, Francis
Janney. He married and lived in Terre Haute.
Died a short time since. Left two children.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER
In the name of God, Amen. I William Alexander,
late of that part of the kingdom of Great Britain called
Scotland, but now of Cceil County, Maryland, merchant,
being of sound mind and memory, blessed be God
therefor, do think it convenient and necessary to dis-
pose of such worldly estate with which it hath pleased
Almighty God to bless me to which and I do this
twenty-ninth of July, in the year of our Lord God,
one thousand seven and thirty eight, make,
crdain and publish this, my last will and testament,
in manner and form following, that is to say imprimis :
I order all my debts and funeral expenses to be paid as
soon as may be after my decease.
Item. I give bequeath, and devise unto my loving
wife, Araminta Alexander and the heirs of her body
by me, forever all of my estate, both real and personal,
of every kind and denomination howsoever and what-
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83 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
soever, but for want of such heirs of my said wife,
Araminta, I burthen my estate in the province afore-
said with the payment of the sum of five hundred
pounds sterling money of Great Britain, or to paid
in twelve months after decease of my wife Araminta as
also for want of such heirs with the disposition of all
my real and personal estate that is actually in that part
of Great Britain called Scotland in manner and form
following :
I give and bequeath to my loving sister, Margaret
Cleland, of the Parish and town of Whitbumshire of
Galloway , Kingdom of Scotland, the sum of five hun-
dred sterling money of Breat Britain or to her heirs in
twelve months after my decease and all my real and
personal estate that is in that part of Great Britain
called Scotland I give and bequeath to my cousin,
Mary Donaldson, of the Parish of Galloway, in Scot-
land, I give and bequeath one hundred pounds sterling
money of Great Britain. I appoint my loving wife
Araminta executrix. In witness whereof I set my
hand and seal,
WILLIAM ALEXANDER.
Witnesses present, WM. KYD,
JOHN ROBERTSON,
DAVID ALEXANDER.
WILL OF AARON ALEXANDER
In the name of God, Amen. The loth day of Nov.,
1171, I, Aaron Alevander, of North Carolina, Mech-
lenburg County, being in perfect health and memory,
thanks be given to God therefor, calling to mind the
mortalit}'- cf my body, and knowing that it is appointed
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 84
to all men once to die, do make and ordain this my
last will and testament, that is to say, principally and
first of all, I give and recommend my soul unto the
hands of Almighty God that gave it and my body I
recommend to the earth to be buried in such a decent
manner at the discretion of my executrix, and as
touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath
pleased God to give me I give and devise and dispose
of in the following manner. First, I give and be-
queath to my son David Alexander, five shillings
money of Great Britain. Second, I give and allow
my well beloved wife, Mary, her full third of my
movable estate. Third, I give to my son Aaron Alex-
ander, all my real estate and I order my son Aaron Alex-
ander to pay my son, John Brown Alexander, twenty
pounds current money of Pennsylvania, when of age
and if Aaron die under age or without heirs then John
is to be heir. I do hereby constitute make, and ordain
my trusty friend Zacheous Wilson, Sr., and William
Alexander, my brother, my executors to this, my last
will and testament, and I deny all wills and testaments
before the date. Witness whereof i have here unto
set my hand and seal, the day and the year above
written.
AARON ALEXANDER.
WILLIAM HAYES,
DAVID ALEXANDER.
WILL OF JAMES ALEXANDER.
In the name of God Amen. I, James Alexander of
Mechlenberg County & State of North Carolina, being
in health of body and sound mind and memory, yet
consider the uncertainty of life and being at present
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85 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
called the go out to the field of war, and not knowing
whether I shall return, I think it prudent as well as
my duty to order and dispose of my worldly estate as
follows : —
First. I order that my wife Rachel and family live
upon and occupy my plantation with all the imple-
ments of husbandry now in my possession, and to keep
in her possession all my stock of horses, cows, sheep,
hogs and etc., and all my household furniture (if she
remains a widow until my eldest son Moses be 21 years
of age). Only my negro boy and such of my books as
shall be thought necessary by my executor shall be
put to public sale and the money arriving from the sale
be put to the use as hereafter directed, and if
my son Moses lives until he be 21 years of age,
I give and bequeath to him my plantation on
which I now live with all the appurtenances only
my well beloved wife Rachel shall continue in posses
sion of my dwelling house and have her main-
tainance of my plantation. While she remains a
widow and my son Moses enjoying the plantation con-
taining 300 acres of land shall pay net cash & every
of the rest of my sons when they arrive to the age of 21
years fourty pounds, he shall pay to each of the four
sons, the sum of fifty pounds and to help him further
therein to reserve them into his possession two work
horses such as my executer shall think sufficient to carry
on plantation work, and plow and Tacklings and such
other tools as are absolutely necessary in carrying on a
farm. And I leave him my saddle and one cow and
calf, and to assist his mother in raising his younger
brother's & sisters. My will further is that when my
son Moses comes into possession of my plantation that
I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife Rachel,
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THE ALEXANDER FAMILY 80
a horse or mare, such as she shall choose out of my
stock and a saddle and her bed and furniture and all
her other clothes and her chest and spinning wheel,
and two milch cows and calves, and six sheep. Fur-
ther, I give & bequeath to my daughter Prudence,
a feather bed and furniture, and spinning wheel, further
I order all books except Ambrose's works which I
bequeath to my wife Rachel as long as she lives and at
her death to be left among my children, and the rest
to be equally divided among all my children; — and
then I order all the rest of my goods & chattels to be
sold and my wife Rachel to have a third part of the
money arising from that sale and the remainder after
what is necessary for schooling my children together
with the money from my negro boy and other things
sold before and what money may be found in my
possession (?) at my decease shall be equally divided
among all my children, and if any of these shall die
before he comes of age, his part is to be divided equally
between those who survive. Lastly I ordain and ap-
point my well beloved wife Rachel and my brother
Matthew Alexander to be the sole executor of this
my last will & Testament and have the oversight of all
my estate during my eldest son's minority and then to
take care that this my will be performed according to
the true interest & meaning of the same. In witness
thereof, I, the said James Alexander, have set my hand
and seal, this 25th day of December, in the year of
our Lord, 1779.
Signed, sealed & delivered
In the presence of us: — James Alexander (Seal)
Andrew Alexander
Benjamin Alexander
Andrew Alexander
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87 THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
Names mentioned in will of James Alexander, Father of
John McNitt Alexander.
Book of Wills No. 3— Page 100. County of Cecil, Md.
Courthouse 36. James Alexanders Will.
In the name of God, Amen. June 17, 1772.
I, James Alexander of Cecil Co., in Maryland being
of sound mind and memory, do hereby give & bequeath
to my beloved wife Abigail.
Item
I give and bequeath to my grandson George Alex-
ander
To Amos Alexander
To my beleved son Ezckiel Alexander
To my beloved son Hezakiah Alexander
To my beloved son Josiah Alexander
I give and bequeath to my beloved son Jno. McNitt
To my beloved daughter Jemima
To my beloved daughter Elizabeth Sample
To my beloved daughter Abigial Bradley
To my beloved daughter Margaret McCay
James Alexander (Seal^
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INDEX
Page
Alexander, Aaron 23,83
Alexander, Abigail 8
Alexander, Abrahaim 55
Alexander, Adam 55
Alexander, Adam Rankin 68
Alexander, Albert 59, 60
Alexander, Amos 23, 31
Alexander, Amanda 68,82
Alexander, Andrew 8, 10, 25, 11
Alexander, Agnes 9
Alexander, Ann .48
Alexander, Araminta 40, 81,82
Alexander, Barbara 8
Alexander, Benjamin 59, 60
Alexander, Bessie 70
Alexander, Caleb 29
Alexander, Clifford Harmon 70
Alexander, Charles 55, 72
Alexander, Carrie 69
Alexander, Catherine 69, 70
Alexander, Daniel 59
Alexander, David 23,
31,32,35,45,46,51,83
Alexander, David, Jr 45,46,48
Alexander, Dorothy Cornelia . . .80
Alexander, Donald 80
Alexander, Edward 81
Alexander, Elizabeth Kinkaid ...11
Alexander, Elizabet/h Sample ...87
Alexander, Elizabeth . .43, 59, 71, 81
Alexander, Eliza 60, 61
Alexander, Eli 23, 38, 39
Alexander, Ellis 59
Alexander, EHnor Ruth 80
Alexander, Elias 8
Alexander, Esther 8
Alexander, Ezra 55
Alexander, Ephraim 42, 52, 53
Alexander, Ezekiel 53
Alexander, Francis 6,
10,16,17,27,28
Alexander, Francis Fleming 80
Alexander, Fanny 42, 52
Alexander, Frank 81
Alexander, Guy 68, 69
Alexander, Harmon ... 39, 40, 68, 70
Alexander, Harvey 59
Alexander, Harry 81
Alexander, Henry 6
Alexander, Hezekiah 40, 55
Alexander, Henry Clay . . . .59, 60, 74
Alexander, Herbert 81
Anderson, Cornelius 6
Adair, Samuel 28
Alexander, Isaac 51, 54, 58
Page
Alexander, John Caldwell 68
Alexander, John Houston 68
Alexander, John McKnitt 55
Alexander, J*ohn Brown 81
Alexander, Joseph McKnitt 58
Alexander, Joseph 34, 42
Alexander, Joel 58, 59
Alexander, Jennie 59
Alexander, Josiah 23, 29, 31, 39
Alexander, John 8
Alexander, Katherine
Alexander, Kephia 40
Alexander, Kitty 70
Alexander, Louise Ameretta. . 11, 79
Alexander, Lydia 40
Alexander, Mary 8, 9, 16, 25
Alexander, Margaret June 69
Alexander, Martha Cornelia. .11, 80
Alexander, Mary Frances ....77,78
Alexander, Margaret Louise 80
Alexander, Mary Sample 58
Alexander, Martha 68, 82
Alexander, Martha Rose 58
Alexander, Martin 8,
9, 13, 14, 16, 20, 22
Alexander, Mark 27, 30, 31
Alexander, Madison 59
Alexander, Moses 9, 22, 23
Alexander, Nancy Pharr 58
Alexander, Ophelia 59, 60
Alexander, Paul 29
Alexander, Paul Marks 80
Alexander, Pauline 79
Alexander, Prudence 86
Alexander, Rachel 41
Alexander, Robert 60
Alexander, Robert Watt 80
Alexander, Richard Ford 39
Alexander, Ruth 81
Alexander, Rebecca 39
Alexander, Sarah 8, 42, 52, 59
Alexander, Samuel 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15
Alexander, Susannah 40
Alexander, Sophiah 58
Alexander, Thomas 47, 52, 58
Alexander, Thomas Calvin 81
Alexander, Vi'olet Davidson 58
Alexander, Virginia 81
Alexander, William Earl of Stir-
ling 3
Alexander, William Rankin ..68,74
Alexander, William Harmon 7^
Alexander, William HarmoQ^.J^
INDEX
Page Page
Alexander, James :..3, Chamberlin, Nelson 71
8,12,16,23,31,41,72 Chamberlin, James 12
Armstrong, Robert 39 Chamberlin, Joseph 12
Anderson, Myrilla Morris 69 Chamberlin, Rollin 71
Baltimore, Lord ...16,17,19,31.34 Councilman, Martha 31
Bouchelle, Peter 12 Chamberlin, Thomas 71
Bodman, John 53 Chapman, Jane 76
Bowen, Walker 49 Coverts, 79
Bouldin, Alexander 29 Crozier, John 24
Bouldin, Richard 24 Crooks, Robert 49
Bouldin, James 24 Cleland, Margaret 83
Bouldin, Tamizon 38 Daniels, MoUie 12
Bouldin, Thomas 29,36 Decker, Rhoda 60
Biddle, Orville 29 Decker, William 60
Burke, John 58 Durett, Richard 12
Burroughs, Cassandra 60 Donnaldson, Col. John 73
Burroughs, Katherine 60 Donaldson, Margaret 83
Brevard, Thomas 29 Donald, 3
Brevard, Benjamin 36 Eaton, W. C 71
Brevard, John 12 Evans, Gen. Alexander 32
Brevard, Robert 41 Fleming, Eliza 75
Bledsoe, Moses 48 Ford, Richard Bouldin 36
Butterworth, Edgar 80 Fields, Frank 70
Butterworth, Mabel 80 Fletcher, Burwell 60
Butterworth, Maud Fleming . . . .78 Fletcher, Alice 60
Hutterworth, Francis Sylvanus..78 Fletcher, Ellen 60
Butterworth, Harold Theron ... .78 Fletcher, Richard 60
Butterworth, Sylvanus 78 Fletcher, Robert 60
Butterworth, Theodore 78 I'letcher, Ida 60
Butterworth, Theodore Alex'r — 78 Foster, Susannah 20
Butterworth, Virginia 78 Foster, Mary 21
Butterworth, Doris Parker 78 Foster', James 20
Caldwell, Ann 43, 46 Foster', Rebecca 21
Caldwell, Elizabeth 43 Foster, Elizabeth 21
Caldwell, John 9 Faster, William 12, 21
Caldwell, Joseph 9 Freeman, Ida 81
Caldwell, Thomas 29 Gerry, Katherine 79
Carle, M 25 oin, John 49, 71, 74
Calvert, Frederick 34 Graham, William 53
Cathey, Col. Archibald 67 Glenn, Solomon 41
Catto, George ZZ Glenn, Samuel '^^' ^^
Copcland, Laura 60 Glenn, A ^7
Copeland, Earl 60 Gilpin, Joseph 34
Copeland, Florence 60 Gilmer, Andrew Crow 38
Copcland, Madison 60 Gudgely, Ruth 71
Copeland, Benjamin 60 Gay, Will-iam 12
Copeland, Jane 60 Hearst, Betsey 72
Copeland,'Lulu 60 Harrison, Gen /^
Copeland, Will ". . . ..60 Harris, Kitty 60
Craig, Thami.s 25 Harris, Dr. R. B 60
Covign, Mar} A 24 Harris, Saimucl 54
Churchman, John 18 Hill, James 48
Crooks, Robert B 49 Hill, Claudia ,- • Wv^'CoiOiOXo'^^
Cowan, Thomas 21 Herman, Epl^raTm°'Xu?ustine..l^, 19
^ouncilman, George 31 Hutchini^on, Rev. Alexander .... 13
INDEX
Page Pag®
Holtham, John 26 Newbold, Ruth 70
Johnston, Patrick 67 Newbold, Glenn 70
Janney, Francis 82 Patton, Robert 26
Jimmison, Capt. Thomas 73 Phillips, Mignone ..71
Jones, Griffith 6 Priice, James 21
Jackson, Katherine 61 Polk, President 61
Jones, Jos'eph 48 ^^^^^ Willia/m ^^0
Key, Francis 34 Peebles, J'ohn 49
Kyd, Williiam 82 p , . . 49
Knight John Leech 34 K; William '.: '. 29
King, John ...61 porker. Dr. Charles Hadden ...78
King, Robert 61 p^^^^^^^ Virginia 78
King. Azile 61 p^^^^^ j^^^^l^ Delphonse 78
King Ophelia 6 ^ Philippa Virginia 78
Kimbro, Clarence 6 ^^ j^^^3 78
Kimbro, Elizabeth 61 ' r ^^ ^ 70
... u J u Ai Parker, Agnise Hortense /»
Kimbro, John ^ Peirce, Benjamin 29
Kimbro, Obadiah 6 p ^ 29
Kimbro, Julian ol , . y,^ t^ rq
Kitchen, Eliza 70 Rankin. Mary Frances 68
Kitchell, Julia .70 Robertson, John 8^
Kitchen, Judge Joseph 70 Rucker Benjamm ...bl
LrMr 24 Richardson, Thomas fJ
L^wry, Robert ''.'.'.'. V.'.V.'.'. '. .'25,* 29 Richardson, WilHam '10
Lincoln, Abraham 75 Sweet, George 78
Lanham, Margaret , .70 Sweet, Edward /»
Leatherman, Charles 59 Sweet, Mary 78
Marks, Dr. Pierre 79 Sweet, Nenie 78
Marks, Marie Louise 79 Scott, Alexander 29
MsKnitt, John 26 Shelby, Gov 73
McDonald, Alexander 3 Strawbridge, Thomas 6
Montgomery, Clarissa 81 Suttle, Katherine 59
McCormick, 31 Suttle, Annie 59
Misenhelder, Amos 81 Sutton, William 61
Misenhelder, Ray 81 Stratton, Thomas 23
Misenhelder, Frank .81 Smith, David 22
Mdsenhelder, Bessie 81 Tayl'or, Edith 69
Misenhelder, Kitty 81 Tarkington, Mary CB>
Misenhelder, Ben 81 Taylor, Jeremiah 3"^
Murphy, E. E 70 ^^^i^ j^^n 46, 53
Murchley, Frederick 49 ^^j^^^ Nicholas 74
Moon, George 49 Thompson, Richard 12
Magowan, J. S 74 Thompson, John 22
Martin, William 72 Vandergriff.'Jacob 12
Martin, Mary Frances 72 Vandiveres' 77
Menefies, Capt. Richard 73 y^^ Bibber, Matthias 11
Makemie, Rev. Francis 7 y^^ Bibber, Jacob 29
Morton, John H 74 Wilson, Jerretta 70
McGanns, John 48 Wilson, Belle 71
Nash, Thomas ^24 Wilson, Nancy 68
Newbold, George 70 Wilson, Zaccheus 84
Newbold, Guy 70 Wilson, Angeline (^ r\t\i^]Y^^^
Newbold, Roy 70 Worth, Mijor --fdby V^OOglC.s;
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